---

 

LATEST NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL MP's AND COUNCILS

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins On Spireites 'Takeover'

Wednesday 7th February 2018 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has tonight spoken to The Chesterfield Post about the proposed takeover bid for Chesterfield FC which was revealed over the weekend to have floundered.

The MP, a keen football supporter, says that he was happy to investigate the deal and try to keep abreast of what was happening regarding the club and its fortunes on and off the pitch.

After his involvement was revealed on Saturday, Toby today published a blog post to try and clarify what he believes to be the case and... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Lottery Cash To Help Unearth Mining History At Markham Vale

Friday 17th November 2017 A project which is set to unearth the untold stories of Markham Colliery has been given the green light thanks to £35,000 awarded from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to Derbyshire County Council.

Research into the lives of the thousands of local men who worked at the site between 1882 and 1993 will be carried out as part of 'The Story Mine' project and shared on a new website.

And residents will be invited to a number of events organised by the Markham Mining Memorial Community Working Group - which... READ MORE...

Residents To Be Consulted On New Chesterfield Roundabout

Friday 17th November 2017 Residents are to be consulted on plans for a new roundabout in north east Derbyshire being built as part of a major new housing and business development.

Derbyshire County Council is inviting local people to have their say on the proposed roundabout and a new road just off the A61 which will serve the development known as "The Avenue" - the former Avenue Coking Works, in Wingerworth.

The new roundabout will be built at the junction with Nottingham Drive while the Mill Lane junction with the A61 will be closed off... READ MORE...

Chesterfield's Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 12th November 2017 They came to remember and, in scenes replicated across the UK, Chesterfield's veterans shared their private memories of war on the most public of occasions - Remembrance Sunday.

This afternoon, a cold and bright windy day, The Mayoress of Chesterfield, along with other Councillors, and dignitaries including The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, William Tucker, and the Duke of Devonshire, led a parade through town and attended Chesterfield's Service of Remembrance at the Crooked Spire.

The church was full as Cadets, Scouts and... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Armistice Day Honoured In Chesterfield

Saturday 11th November 2017 On a day of Remembrance, Chesterfield came to a standstill to pay respects to serviceman who lost their lives in conflicts passed and present.

Hundreds of people observed the silence at the Town Hall this morning as the clock struck eleven - before the Mayor of Chesterfield and Rev Patrick Coleman laid wreaths at the Cenotaph at Rose Hill.

Standard bearers, including scouts, paid their own tribute during the Last Post, supported by local cadets, Public Service students from... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Chesterfield Remembers The Fallen

Friday 10th November 2017 Chesterfield residents can remember those who have lost their lives in war at a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

On Armistice Day, Saturday 11th November, the national two-minute silence will be marked with an event at the war memorial, Rose Hill opposite Chesterfield Town Hall at 11am.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event where the service will be marked by the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille. People... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Holmebrook Ward By-Election Date Announced

Monday 21st August 2017 The by-election to elect a councillor to the Holmebrook ward of Chesterfield Borough Council will take place on Thursday 21st September 2017.

It follows the resignation of former councillor Stephen Hitchin who stood down to concentrate on his family and his medical career.

Only one councillor will be elected in this by-election as Councillor Suzie Perkins will remain as councillor for Holmebrook ward. Both she and the new councillor are due to serve until the next borough council elections in May 2019... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Council Devolution Bid Pulled

Friday 16th June 2017
It has been announced this week that Chesterfield Borough Council's leader has pulled the council's devolution bid to avoid an unnecessary waste of public money on a referendum called by Derbyshire County Council's leader, Councillor Barry Lewis.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: "The referendum plans by Councillor Lewis are completely unjustified, especially when Derbyshire County Council admits itself it still needs to find £80 million to balance its books due to Tory austerity..." READ MORE...

Today's The Day! Don't Forget To Register To Vote

Monday 22nd May 2017 Chesterfield Borough Council is urging local residents to ensure they are registered by TODAY to vote in the General Election taking place on Thursday 8th June.

The deadline for people who are not currently registered to do so is midnight tonight - Monday 22nd May. Anyone who has failed to register by this time will be unable to cast their vote in the general election.

Residents are also being reminded that being on the electoral register improves their credit rating which helps increase the chances of successfully... READ MORE...

First Woman Leader For Chesterfield Borough Council

Friday 28th April 2017 Councillor Tricia Gilby has become the new leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, with Councillor Amanda Serjeant appointed as deputy leader.

Councillor Gilby is the first woman leader in the council's 44-year history and the pair will also become the first all-female leadership team.

Both were formally confirmed in post after the council's previous leader Councillor John Burrows decided to retire from his role and Councillor Terry Gilby, also stepped down from his position as deputy leader... READ MORE...

Road Named In Honour Of Chesterfield FC Legend Ernie Moss

Tuesday 25th April 2017 Anyone who's anyone in Chesterfield knows the name Ernie Moss! Spireite legend, family man and all round good guy. Today, that went a step further as the legendary player attended the unveiling of a road named after him.

It took Ernie Moss three periods with Chesterfield FC to become their all-time leading goalscorer. He notched 162 strikes from his 469 appearances that ended in 1986. That total remains a record to this day and ensured that Ernie became much more than a fans favourite. He became a local hero as a mark of respect for his achievements - but also because he has always been... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Britain Going To The Polls As May Calls General Election

Tuesday 18th April 2017 Despite stating the opposite after becoming Prime Minister, Theresa May has today announced that Britain will go to the polls on June 8th 2017.

There will be just seven weeks of campaigning before voters hit the polling stations. It is only two years since the last general election which saw David Cameron lead the Tories to victory in May 2015. Another election hadn’t been expected until 2020. MP's in the Commons will now vote tomorrow on holding the election.

Parliament is now expected to be dissolved by HM The Queen on May 3rd,

New Derbyshire Drugs & Alcohol Support Service Launched

Wednesday 5th April 2017
Derbyshire County Council has commissioned a new combined drug and alcohol recovery service for the county.

Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is a partnership between Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, local charity Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service (DAAS), national charity Phoenix Futures and peer-led organisation Intuitive Thinking Skills.

The partnership will offer a wide range of services to help people reduce the harm from their substance use, access treatment and move into recovery... READ MORE...

Meadow View Care Centre Shortlisted For Prestigious Award

Tuesday 4th April 2017 A £10m specialist community care centre developed and run by Derbyshire County Council has been shortlisted for a prestigious national design award.

Meadow View Community Care Centre in Darley Dale has been shortlisted in this year's Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East Midlands awards.

The annual awards celebrate the best in British architecture and focus on designs that aim to improve or enhance people’s lives. The county-council run care home has been shortlisted along with eight other buildings in the... READ MORE...

Pedal Power Comes To Chesterfield With Women's Tour 2017

Thursday 16th March 2017 Wednesday saw the launch of Stage Four of the Women's Cycle Tour in Chesterfield.

Attended by competitors and Councillors, the event showcased just why this stage of the tour, which travels through scenic parts of the Peak District, commands such interest.

This stage of The Women's Tour will be held in Derbyshire on Saturday 10th June 2017. The 81-mile race will begin and end in Chesterfield and visit areas including the Derbyshire Peak District, Wirksworth, Belper... READ MORE & AUDIO...

A Look Back On The First Year Of 'Feeding Derbyshire'

Thursday 15th December 2016
Organisations working to tackle food poverty and social isolation met this week to showcase projects across Derbyshire.

Representatives from food banks, super kitchens, breakfast clubs and anti-poverty groups got together for Feeding Derbyshire - One Year On.

Feeding Derbyshire is a Derbyshire County Council project aimed at finding sustainable solutions to food poverty and surplus food as well as helping to feed people struggling with low incomes, debt and benefit delays... READ MORE...

Borough Council Leader John Burrows To Stand Down

Wednesday 14th December 2016
The leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has announced he is to stand down from his position in May next year.

Councillor John Burrows has been planning his retirement from the role for some time, although will remain a borough councillor.

Following a meeting of the council's ruling Labour group Councillor Tricia Gilby has been chosen as the leader elect. She will shadow Councillor Burrows until he formally hands over power to ensure a smooth transition to the... READ MORE...

Plans To Refurbish Chesterfield Town Hall Revealed

Tuesday 13th December 2016 Plans to refurbish Chesterfield Town Hall so the building can generate at least £240,000 of income each year to invest in protecting frontline services are to be considered by councillors.

Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet has recommended to full council a proposal to invest capital money - which can only be used for building projects - to generate much needed revenue funds, which can be used to fund crucial frontline services for the public.

If the plans are approved by councillors when they meet... READ MORE...

Roll Up, Roll Up For Your Chesterfield Christmas Bargains

Saturday 3rd December 2016 Christmas shoppers need look no further than Chesterfield markets for their festive food and presents this year.

Chesterfield Borough Council is holding extra markets in the run-up to Christmas with a variety of produce from local suppliers and special present ideas.

There will be a market taking place each day from Thursday 8th December until Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December.

This will include the monthly farmers' market on Thursday... READ MORE...

Jobs Boost As Council Renews Henry Boot Partnership

Tuesday 8th November 2016 A commitment to bring business, create jobs and boost the local economy has been renewed this week as Derbyshire County Council signed a new four-year partnership with Henry Boot Developments for the continued growth of Markham Vale.

The county council appointed the Sheffield-based firm in 2003 as its private sector property partner to develop the former Markham Colliery into a flagship regeneration site which is on target to create up to 4,100 jobs when finished.

Latest businesses to join Markham Vale include Great Bear... READ MORE...

Work To Be Carried Out At Saltergate Multi Story Car Park

Wednesday 26th October 2016
Users of Saltergate multi-storey car park should expect some disruption as essential work takes place.

The work will begin at the Chesterfield Borough Council car park on Monday 7th November - and is expected to last for three weeks.

There will be fewer spaces on offer while the work takes place and floors will be closed during the period. Spaces will be available for blue badge holders during the work... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Social Workers Short Listed For Prestigious Awards

Friday 21st October 2016 Social workers from Derbyshire County Council have been shortlisted for prestigious national awards which recognise excellence across the profession.

The annual Social Worker of the Year awards are the leading celebrations of their kind in the social care sector, and recognise the achievements and successes of the sector’s most innovative and dedicated social workers. 

The county council has a proven track record in high quality social work and has won accolades for the last four years in the national awards... READ MORE...

County Council Approves £2m For Coalite Development

Tuesday 18th October 2016 Plans to build houses and create jobs at the former Coalite site have taken a step forward now Derbyshire County Council has approved £2m to help plug a funding gap.

Funding to redevelop the 140 acre site of the former Coalite coking works - which lies partly in North East Derbyshire district and partly in Bolsover district - was agreed at a meeting of Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Members on Tuesday 11th October.

And the county council has also applied for a further £5.8m... READ MORE...

Consultation On Future Use Of Old Queen's Park Sports Centre

Wednesday 14th September 2016 A six-week consultation is being held by Chesterfield Borough Council to get the public's views on the future use of the old Queen's Park Sport Centre site.

Councillors recently granted planning permission to demolish the old building, in Boythorpe Road, which closed when the new £11.25 million Queen's Park Sports Centre opened in January.

A range of different possible future uses for the site have been considered and tested against four criteria. From these, the council's preferred option... READ MORE...

Plans Approved To Transform Former Chesterfield Post Office

Wednesday 31st August 2016
Plans to breathe new life in to former Post Office in the heart of Chesterfield's historic market place have been given approval by Chesterfield Borough Council under delegated powers.

Designed by WCEC Architects on behalf of national developers Telereal Trillium, the grade II listed building will be transformed into seven luxury apartments across the first and second floors, whilst the ground floor will be converted into 3,557 sq.ft of retail/leisure space with 653 sq.ft. of ancillary service space at basement level and a rear communal courtyard... READ MORE...

Derbyshire GCSE Students Buck National Trend

Saturday 27th August 2016 GCSE students in Derbyshire have done their county proud by bucking the national downward trend and achieving an improvement in their grades.

Nationally, this year's results have shown the biggest ever year-on-year decline - down to the lowest level since 2008. But provisional results show that 62% of Year 11 students in Derbyshire achieved grades A* to C in English and Maths - an increase of 3% from last year. 

More than 7,500 students across the county's 45 secondary... READ MORE...

Planning Committee To Decide On Sports Centre Demolition

Tuesday 23rd August 2016 A planning application seeking permission to demolish the former Queen's Park Sports Centre will be decided by councillors at the end of August.

Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee will decide if the building, which closed at the end of December 2015, can be demolished, with landscaping of the site carried out until plans are developed for the future use of the land.

The existing building, in Boythorpe Road, has to be demolished because it is no longer economically viable to keep running due to not being... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Medieval Market A 'Roaring' Success

Friday 29th July 2016
Chesterfield celebrated its annual Chesterfield Medieval Market on Tuesday - with thousands flocking to Market Square to try their luck on tombolas, raffles and fun activities.

However the day, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council has a more serious side, aiming to raise money for and raise the profiles of charities locally.

Those taking part included Chesterfield Soroptomists and staff from Nenna Kind Cancer Centre who dressed up in Medieval costumes... READ MORE...

Chesterfield FC Statement Regarding Borough Council Loan

Monday 25th July 2016 In relation to the loan made by Chesterfield Borough Council to Chesterfield Football Club, Director & Company Secretary, Ashley Carson has issued the following statement:

Over the last month, the loan from Chesterfield Borough Council has been addressed by A&S Leisure and paid back in full.

The initial mortgage made available by A&S Leisure to complete the construction of the Proact Stadium has now been re-structured to the value of £2 million. This will be paid back over a ten-year period and attract a fixed interest... READ MORE...

Council Plans To Bring Empty Homes Back Into Use Adopted

Monday 25th July 2016 Plans to bring empty homes back into use in Chesterfield have been adopted by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The council's cabinet has approved the Private Sector Empty Homes Strategy 2016-2020, which outlines how the council aims to bring empty properties back into use.

There are currently 490 empty properties in Chesterfield with approximately 1,500 applications currently on the council's housing waiting list.

Bringing these homes back into use will give opportunities for... READ MORE...

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins Resigns

Monday 27th June 2016 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins this morning announced that he has quit Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet "with immediate effect".

Perkins, who served as Shadow Armed Forces Minister, said in his resignation letter that though it had been a "great honour" to serve, he felt that a change at the top of the Labour Party was now urgently needed.

The news comes after the European Referendum result on Friday which saw the majority of British people vote to leave the EU. Chesterfield voted with a 60/40 split in favour of leaving... READ MORE...

Decision Expected On The Future Of Children's Centres

Saturday 11th June 2016 Children's centres across Derbyshire could close as the county council tries to deal with the biggest budget cuts in its history.

Councillors will meet on Tuesday 14th June to consider proposals to close 29 children's centres - with two previously earmarked for possible closure remaining open.

This follows an extensive review into proposals to change the way children's services are offered to families across Derbyshire as the council has to cut £4.7m from its budget for children's centres... READ MORE...

Old Queen's Park Leisure Centre Demolition Plans

Saturday 11th June 2016 A planning application will be submitted within the next two weeks seeking permission to demolish the old Queen's Park Sports Centre site in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also confirmed it plans to carry out a public consultation on three or four options for future uses of the site between Monday 22nd August and Friday 30th September.

The old Queen's Park Sports Centre, on Boythorpe Road, closed at the end of December 2015, a few days before the new £11.25 million... READ MORE...

Support For Disabled & Carers To Strengthen In The County

Saturday 11th June 2016
Dozens of people are set to benefit from the expansion of a Derbyshire County Council initiative called Local Area Coordination (LAC) that is now up and running in two areas of Bolsover.

People with disabilities or mental ill health, older and younger adults, their families and carers are all set to benefit from the scheme.

LAC helps people to help themselves and will support them in the short or long term to build a better life... READ MORE...

Derbyshire's Third Social Eating Super Kitchen Opens

Saturday 11th June 2016 Derbyshire's third Super Kitchen has opened as part of a partnership project to create community social eating spaces and tackle food poverty using surplus supermarket produce.

'Gussie's Kitchen', based at St Augustine's Church in Chesterfield, is the latest Super Kitchen to open with support from Derbyshire County Council and will be run by local volunteers.

The county council is supporting the scheme in partnership with surplus food redistribution charity FareShare and Eudaimonia, a charity... READ MORE...

1,795 First Aiders Break World Record At The Proact

Saturday 21st May 2016 A World Record attempt for the most people at one time learning simple, life saving first aid skills has been a resounding success.

1,795 school children and local residents took part in a World Record attempt and undertook a first aid lesson at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield, at the same time.

The previous World Record was held by Emirates Transport in Abu Dhabi on 27th April 2013 and saw 1700 participants take part.

The World Record attempt was organised by the... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Taxi Driver's License Suspended After Taking Illegal Fare

Friday 20th May 2016 Chesterfield residents are reminded that they may be taking risks with their safety by taking a private hire taxi without booking in advance.

This comes as the driver of a private hire vehicle had his licence suspended by Chesterfield Borough Council's appeals and regulatory committee on Wednesday 18th May, after he picked up an unsolicited fare.

Mushtag Din, 56, of Grasmere Close in Newbold was in his private hire vehicle the early hours of 13th March when he picked up a man who had been drinking in Ringwood Road, Brimington... READ MORE...

County Council To Consider Two Refugee Resettlement Posts

Monday 16th May 2016 The establishment of two temporary posts to manage the resettlement of Syrian refugees is to be considered by Derbyshire County Council, in response to the Government's appeal for the authority and its partner organisations to support its national scheme.

If approved, the recruitment of a Syrian Resettlement Coordinator and a Project Support Officer to manage the Derbyshire scheme would be met by Government funding.

Over the next five years 20,000 Syrians will be resettled across... READ MORE...

Road Delays Possible With Chatsworth Road Closures

Monday 16th May 2016 Part of the A619 Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield will be closed overnight over the next few weeks while it's being resurfaced.

Derbyshire County Council will be closing the A619 Chatsworth Road from West Bars roundabout to Morrison's roundabout, in both directions, between 8pm and 6am each night on: Monday 16th to Thursday 19th of May; Monday 23rd to Thursday 26th May and Tuesday 31st May to Thursday 2nd June.

Access will be given to emergency vehicles and residents but a signed diversion route will be in place for other motorists via Walton Road, Whitecotes... READ MORE...

Running The Race To Fight Cancer

Monday 16th May 2016
More than 1,200 people are expected to walk, jog and run through Chesterfield town centre this Sunday, 22nd May, in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, leaving the Town Hall at 10.30 am.

As usual, some car parks and roads will be closed for periods of the day while the race takes place in the town centre.

To enable the event to run smoothly, Chesterfield Borough Council will temporarily close: Queens Park North car park, Rose Hill car park and... READ MORE...

Chesterfield's New Mayor Takes Office

Thursday 12th May 2016
Chesterfield has welcomed its 376th mayor, with Councillor Steve Brunt taking up the reins for the coming year.

The new Mayor was sworn in at Chesterfield Borough Council's annual council meeting yesterday evening (Wednesday 11th May).

Councillor Brunt was elected as a Labour member serving Brockwell ward at the local elections in May 2015. He had previously served as a ward councillor for Holmebrook ward serving from 1987 to 1999... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Pupils To Make A 'Monster Move' During Travel Smart Week

Wednesday 11th May 2016 Pupils across the county are reducing school run congestion on roads and keeping fit next week (16th - 20th May) as part of Derbyshire County Council's Travel Smart Week.

Pupils at 277 primary schools from across the county have signed up to take part in the dinosaur themed Travel Smart Make a Monster Move week.

During 'Travel Smart Make a Monster Move' week, pupils will be introduced to a series of well-known prehistoric creatures that have been given a sustainable travel makeover with each dinosaur representing a different way of... READ MORE...

It's Dhindsa For Derbyshire!

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Labour's Hardyal Dhindsa made history last week with his election as the first Sikh Police and Crime Commissioner in England and Wales on May 5th.

Mr Dhindsa, who polled 78,858 votes to runner-up Conservative Richard Bright's 77,245, now succeeds the county's first Police and Crime Commissioner, Labour's Alan Charles.

He had previously served as Deputy to Mr Charles and campaigned on the work they had done together to make Derbyshire a safe, tolerant and... READ MORE...

Young Traders To Take Over Chesterfield Market

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Young people are being given the chance to experience life as market traders in a special event organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Young people from as young as five up to 22 can take a free stall at the market taking place in the market place on Sunday 29th May from 11am to 3pm. All young people under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: "We are..." READ MORE...

Derbyshire County Council In Foster Care Appeal

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Derbyshire County Council is hosting a series of drop-in roadshows to appeal for more foster carers during national Foster Care Fortnight.

Foster carers and social workers will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their experiences. This year Foster Care Fortnight is from May 16th - 29th.

Please help spread the word. If you, or anyone you know, has a spare room, tell them about our events and they could come along and find out more. No appointment is necessary. The council is particularly looking for homes for... READ MORE...

No Need To Re-Register To Vote In The EU Referendum

Wednesday 4th May 2016 Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents that they do not have to re-register to vote in the European Union referendum.

Some residents have contacted the council worried that they need to register again to vote in the referendum on 23rd June after reading misleading posts on social media.

This is not the case.

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council's Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said: "I'd like to reassure residents..." READ MORE...

Successful Action Day Targets Potential Rogue Traders

Friday 22nd April 2016 More than 80 vehicles have been stopped and 43 people spoken to across the Derbyshire region as part of an action day to target potential rogue traders.

Rogue traders are individuals or groups of people who cold-call householders, targeting vulnerable and elderly residents, claiming to be a bona fide business offering services, most commonly buildings maintenance and repair.

The operation took place on Wednesday, April 13th as part of a national crackdown known as Operation Rogue Trader, co-ordinated by... READ MORE...

Council Appeals For Help To End Children's 'Holiday Hunger'

Thursday 14th April 2016 Organisations which run clubs or activity schemes are being asked by Derbyshire County Council to help it support vulnerable children at risk of going hungry during the school holidays.

The council is working with a range of partnership organisations to tackle the problem termed 'holiday hunger' as part of it's £528,550 'Feeding Derbyshire' project.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Dave Allen said: "There are lots of children across the county who are likely to eat significantly less during the school holidays..." READ MORE...

Borough Councillors Confirm Support For SCR Devolution Deal

Friday 8th April 2016
At a special meeting held on Wednesday evening, councillors again voted in support of Chesterfield Borough Council applying to be part of a devolution deal which will see the borough benefit from a share of £900 million in funding over a 30 year period.

In applying to be a full member of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, powers and funding relating to issues such as transport, skills and training and business support will be controlled locally rather than by ministers and civil servants in London... READ MORE...

Cheers! Local Pub's Victory Over Retail Development Giants

Thursday 7th April 2016 Local campaigners are celebrating today after winning their battle to keep a local pub open amid plans to turn it into a convenience store.

Friends of The Wellington have received a letter from New River Retail stating that the development company has withdrawn plans to convert the premises to a Co-operative store.

Whittington villagers had been furious at the proposed change, and had successfully fought to gain Asset of Community Value status after a packed... READ MORE...

£2.7m Grant To 'Kick Start' Waterside Could Create 300 Jobs

Monday 21st March 2016 Chesterfield's £320million Waterside scheme is set to take a major step forward following the award of a £2.7million Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund (SCRIF) grant.

The grant, which was secured by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with developers Chesterfield Waterside Limited, has enabled the first phase of the development's £75 million Basin Square scheme to be brought forward by the site's developers.

A Planning Application for the Basin Square Site Enabling... READ MORE...

Labour PCC Candidate For Derbyshire Launches Campaign

Monday 21st March 2016 Hardyal Dhindsa, Labour's Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate for Derbyshire, has launched his campaign at a dinner attended by supporters from throughout the County and some senior Parliamentarians.

Over 120 people joined Mr Dhindsa at Derby's Slice of India restaurant on 18th March, including Shadow Cabinet Minister without Portfolio; Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins who is Shadow Minister for Defence Procurement and Lord Willy Bach who is standing as the Labour Party PCC Candidate in Leicestershire... READ MORE...

Bus Consultation - There's Still Time To Have Your Say

Monday 21st March 2016 Local residents are reminded they can still take part in Derbyshire County Council's consultation on the future of the county's bus services.

The council is proposing to withdraw all funding for subsidised bus services - journeys that cannot be run commercially - and community transport Dial-a-Bus (DAB) 'shopping buses' from October 2017. Typically they are early morning, evening, Sunday and rural services.

This means that unless they can be run commercially or funded... READ MORE...

Compulsory Dog MicroChipping - Are You Ready?

Thursday 17th March 2016 Dog owners across Bolsover District and North East Derbyshire District are being reminded that new legislation will come into force on 6th April 2016, meaning that their pet must be micro-chipped in addition to wearing a collar and tag.

Both of the Council's have done a lot of work over the past few years to educate people and get them prepared for this change in the law, so it is important that dog owners are ready.

The new legislation will improve animal welfare by making it... READ MORE...

Derbyshire County's New Youth Council Decided

Monday 14th March 2016
More than 22,000 young people had the opportunity to cast their votes to decide the line-up of the next Derbyshire Youth Council. 

Results of Derbyshire County Council's Big Vote elections were announced at the authority's headquarters in Matlock. 

During a week of voting, pupils in a total of 42 schools, special schools, academies and colleges voted. They chose which of the 117 hopefuls would take up a seat on the youth council... READ MORE...

Former Coalite Site Clean-Up Moves A Step Closer

Friday 11th March 2016
Plans to redevelop the former Coalite site could soon become a reality now measures to bring it back into use are gathering pace.

The 140 acre site, which lies partly in North East Derbyshire District and partly in Bolsover District, has already been granted planning permission for employment use by Bolsover District Council.

A further application for up to 660 houses, a school and a neighbourhood centre is due to be considered by North East Derbyshire District Council... READ MORE...

Below Inflation Council Tax Rise For Bolsover District Council

Wednesday 9th March 2016 Bolsover District Council has set a below-inflation rise, equivalent to 4 pence a week for a Band A property, to their portion of the Council tax bill.

Councillors at Bolsover District Council took the difficult decision to increase their Council Tax bill by 1.95% in 2016/17 - the first rise since April 2010. The increase was necessary to cover the further reductions in government grant, following the Local Government Finance Settlement in December 2015.

For next year, Central Government has cut the Councils... READ MORE...

"The Best Devolution Deal For Chesterfield & Derbyshire"

Friday 4th March 2016 A special council meeting held last night saw Chesterfield Borough Council Councillors decide that Chesterfield is to apply to join a devolution deal with Sheffield City Region that they say could bring millions of pounds and hundreds of job opportunities to Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The devolution deal will see powers and funding held by ministers and civil servants in London - on issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport - transferred down to a local level.

Councillors confirmed at the meeting - also attended by... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Community Funding Of Derbyshire's Voluntary Hospitals

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Derbyshire residents can find out how in the early twentieth century, local communities rallied around their voluntary hospitals to offer support and financial backing, at a talk at Derbyshire County Council's Record Office.

The talk is by Eddie Cheetham who has used the Record Office extensively for his research. This research has focused on Derbyshire hospitals situated in rural areas and smaller urban neighbourhoods. He has looked specifically at how money was raised for these hospitals - not only by local gentry but also by the community at large, and how the hospitals were maintained day-to-day by... READ MORE...

Meeting To Decide On Devolution Options For Chesterfield

Monday 29th February 2016 A special Chesterfield Borough Council meeting has been called to decide which of two devolution deals would bring the most benefits for Chesterfield residents and businesses.

The council has played an active part in helping to negotiate two deals, which would devolve powers and responsibilities currently held by the Government in London to a more local level. These include powers and funding to deal with issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport.

Chesterfield is being asked to choose between... READ MORE...

NDCS Calls For Rethink Of Cuts To Deaf Children's Transport

Wednesday 24th February 2016 The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is urging Derbyshire County Council to halt plans to cut vital transport services for deaf children.

Derbyshire County Council has launched a consultation on plans to stop providing school transport for pre-school children and post 16 young people with special educational. Ending this support will make it challenging for deaf children to access good education in the county.

Until 2014, transport was provided by the council for children... READ MORE...

New Jobs Coming As Work On Markham Vale North Begins

Saturday 20th February 2016 The construction of the new Seymour Link road that will open up the final phase of development land at Henry Boot Developments' and Derbyshire County Council's 200 acre industrial & logistics park, Markham Vale North, has now commenced.

The Seymour Link Road is due to complete during autumn 2016 and is a vital part of the infrastructure works to the North site, providing access to the motorway network via J29A of the M1 and opening up a further 70 acres of net development land.

Outline consent for the Markham Vale North site has been... READ MORE...

Borough Council Fine Man For Dishonestly Claiming Benefit

Saturday 20th February 2016 Chesterfield benefit claimants are being urged to declare their full income after a man received a fine in a case brought by Chesterfield Borough Council.

A 44 year old man from Taylor Crescent in Chesterfield was ordered to pay a total of £535 in a case at North Derbyshire Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday 17th February, after he pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to declare his income relating to housing benefit.

He had claimed a total of £6,376.18 over a two year period after... READ MORE...

3.99% Council Tax Rise To Help County Council Deal With Cuts

Friday 12th February 2016 Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western, said the authority had been left with "no choice" but to increase council tax, as it prepares to enter the seventh year of Government austerity cuts to local council funding.

The council needs to cut services by almost £70m over the next two years on top of a £170m cut since 2010.

And at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday (10th February), councillors voted to set the authority's annual budget for the year ahead at £483 million... READ MORE...

Council Ask For History Help To Aid Towns Poppy Display Bid

Thursday 11th February 2016 Residents and local history groups are being asked to help support a Chesterfield Borough Council bid to bring an iconic poppy display to the town.

The council submitted a bid in July last year on behalf of a number of organisations in the town for the Weeping Window artwork to be displayed in Chesterfield as part of a tour of UK locations.

The artwork is part of a larger installation by Chesterfield artist Paul Cummins that was on display at the Tower of London to commemorate the... READ MORE...

World Record First Aid Lesson Attempt At The Proact

Tuesday 9th February 2016 Do YOU know how to save a life? That's the question asked by a local organisation - CSALS - as they, in partnership with Bolsover District Council, launched a world record attempt for 'The World's Biggest First Aid Lesson' on Friday 5th Feb.

The record is currently held by Emirates Airlines, with 1,600 in attendance, but the effort on May 20th at the Proact Stadium at 10am, hopes to attract over 3,000 participants of all ages - every one of whom will leave with vital life saving skills.

Dignitaries, including The Mayor and Mayoress of... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Keeping Chesterfield's Market Thriving For The Future

Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Rent charges for market traders are to be frozen as part of plans to ensure Chesterfield's successful historic outdoor market place continues to thrive in the modern shopping world.

Last year Chesterfield Borough Council, which owns and manages the outdoor market, carried out a public consultation as part of a review looking at how the market can continue to draw in shoppers, as markets across the country face increased competition from the growth of online shopping and discount stores.

Charges for traders on the general, flea and farmers' markets... READ MORE...

Remembering The Holocaust

Tuesday 26th January 2016 Chesterfield residents can take part in an event organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Law Centre, Chesterfield College and Pomegranate Youth Theatre to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The theme for this year is "Don't Stand By".

The event takes place on Wednesday 27th January from 7pm at the Rose Theatre, Rose Hill, doors will open at 6.30pm. Tickets will be available on the door and the event is free.

This is the day for everyone to remember the six million Jews... READ MORE...

A Cheaper 'Ticket To Ride' For Chesterfield Children

Thursday 21st January 2016 Bus travel for children and young people in Chesterfield will be cheaper from next week following the launch of a special offer ticket.

From Saturday, 23rd January, Stagecoach is introducing a Chesterfield Child Dayrider, offering travel across the area for passengers under the age of 19 for £2. The ticket will be available for limited time, until the end of March 2016.

The ticket will provide unlimited daily travel for the full route of services 2, 2a, 5 10, 39, 80 and 80a in Chesterfield and all Stagecoach buses... READ MORE...

Court Grants Three House Closure Orders In Chesterfield

Monday 18th January 2016 Three houses in Chesterfield have been closed and the tenants required to leave, in a case brought by Chesterfield Borough Council after suspected drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

In a case heard at Northern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Thursday 14th January, the council was granted closure orders for the properties on Birchen Close, Longshaw Court and Baslow Court.

There was evidence that tenants in all three of these properties had been engaged suspected drug dealing and had caused significant anti-social... READ MORE...

Corrie Star Kym Marsh Visits Brand New Fitness Centre

Sunday 10th January 2016 "I'm 40 this year and I wanted to come into my forties being as fit as I can! I changed my lifestyle and it's helped me a lot. It's hopefully helping other people!" That was actress, singer and fitness guru Kym Marsh speaking to The Chesterfield Post as she visited the newly opened Queen's Park Sports Centre on Saturday, and spoke to many users of the facilities on Boythorpe Road.

The centre has been made possible by funding of £6.725 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2.5 million from Chesterfield College, as part of a partnership agreement, £2 million of National Lottery funding... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield's New Queen's Park Sports Centre Opens

Friday 8th January 2016
"We're here to make a difference to the community of Chesterfield!" That was Principal of Chesterfield College (and former student) Stuart Cutforth, as he and other dignitaries officially opened the new Queen's Park Sports Centre on Thursday morning.

The Chesterfield Borough Council-run centre has already created a buzz - with 820 people having signed up for membership in the last 3 months alone - having opened its doors on Tuesday 5th January, and will open from 6.30am Monday to Friday and from 8am on Saturday and Sunday... READ MORE, AUDIO & VIDEO...

Derbyshire County Council Seizes £1m Of Illegal Goods

Thursday 10th December 2015 Almost two million illegal cigarettes and 580kg of tobacco with a street value of at least £1m have been seized by Derbyshire County Council in one of the biggest trading standards hauls in the UK.

The council's trading standards team worked with police from Derbyshire and the East Midlands, using sniffer dogs to inspect six units on a self-storage site in South Derbyshire.

Other goods seized include 31,000 Viagra-type tablets worth £155,000, 60 items of counterfeit clothing including fake G-Star jeans and Barbour... READ MORE...

Derbyshire County Council Set To Develop Land For Housing

Thursday 10th December 2015 A development company could be set up by Derbyshire County Council which would aim to use some of the council's land to build much needed housing.

The council's Cabinet will consider a report about setting up a company at a meeting on Tuesday 15th December. The development company would initially concentrate on building housing, but could in the future develop extra care housing or social housing.

Cabinet Member for Council Services Councillor, Andy Botham, explains: "The financial situation facing the council is difficult and is only going... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Trading Standards Issue Hoverboard Safety Alert

Thursday 3rd December 2015 Christmas shoppers buying hoverboards are being warned by Derbyshire County Council trading standards officers to be extra cautious after fears were raised about the safety of cheap imitations heading for the county.

The county council's trading standards team has issued the warning about cheap 'copycat' versions of genuine hoverboards, also called self-balancing scooters, after fires were caused by battery pack or chargers overheating in Kent, London and Buckinghamshire. The battery-powered hoverboards are priced between £300 and £600 from reputable outlets, but cheaper, fake versions... READ MORE...

Pupils Help Bring Colour To Coach Station Entrance

Thursday 26th November 2015 Pupils from Brampton Primary School have helped bring a touch of colour to the town's coach station.

The students helped put the final touches to the Pocket Park project on Markham Road, at the entrance to the coach station by planting 3,000 purple, yellow and white crocus corms.

The project, which started last year, is a collaboration between Chesterfield Civic Society, Franke Sissons and Chesterfield Borough Council, with support from Destination Chesterfield and Killingley Landscapes... READ MORE...

Council Approves Home Closures - Agrees Future Care Plans

Thursday 26th November 2015 Proposals aimed at securing the future of the majority of Derbyshire County Council residential homes while closing four homes and a respite care unit with six short-stay beds have been approved.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet agreed the proposals at its meeting on Tuesday 24th November.

The proposals are part of the council's wider five-year plan which aims to keep 18 county council-run residential care homes open - one in each Derbyshire district - and continue to invest in residential care, extra care and specialist... READ MORE...

North Derbyshire MP Receives Prestigious Award

Monday 23rd November 2015
Natascha Engel, Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire, has won a prestigious title at a top political awards event.

The Spectator magazine named Natascha as the Backbencher of the Year 2015 at their 32nd Parliamentarian Awards event. Natascha said: "It is a huge honour to have been presented with this award. I wasn't expecting it at all so it was a complete surprise." Before taking on the role of Deputy Speaker this June, Natascha chaired the Backbench Business Committee for five years. This committee is able to table debates and help backbench MPs make their voices heard.

Chesterfield Climate Rally - From Crooked Spire To Eiffel Tower

Wednesday 18th November 2015 The Chesterfield Post has been notified that there will be a Chesterfield Climate Rally on Saturday 28th November, organised by a new Chesterfield Climate Alliance, to show support for global action on climate change.

With world leaders meeting in Paris on 30th November for the UN Climate Change Conference, people will be coming together all over the world in different cities to demand that governments take action.

This rally is timed to allow Chesterfield people to join similar... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Supports World Prematurity Day

Tuesday 17th November 2015 In what will be a unique, and emotional sight tonight, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and the Borough Council have joined together to turn the crooked spire purple.

The Royal's Neonatal team, along with Chesterfield Borough Council, Church of St Mary's and All Saints and D.O.R Electrical, have organised for the spire to be bathed in purple light on Tuesday November 17th.

The colour is associated with the day, organised by Bliss, designed to raise awareness of the 15 million babies born prematurely across... READ MORE...

A Day To Think Of Friends Who Never Came Back

Thursday 12th November 2015
Once again, Chesterfield paid its own tribute to the heroes of war as, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the town joined others across the nation to fall silent and remember those who served, and fell, in wars throughout the last century.

As shops, schools and businesses observed two minutes' silence throughout the towns and villages, several hundred gathered outside the Town Hall to pay their respects to veterans and current servicemen - including several schools, nurseries and Public Services students from Chesterfield College... READ MORE...

Work Begins On New Cycle Lane - Traffic Delays Expected

Tuesday 3rd November 2015 Work to build a new cycle path in Chesterfield between Queen's Park and the train station is gathering pace.

The new path is being installed as part of the Chesterfield Cycle Network.

It is a long term project running until April next year to link shopping areas to the train and bus station and main residential areas in the town.

The first section of the path to be built is around 100 metres long and will run from Hipper Street South, between Markham and Ravenside... READ MORE...

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins 'Boxes' Clever

Tuesday 3rd November 2015 A disappearing post box has finally reappeared almost a year after it first went missing.

Residents on Middlecroft Road first contacted the Royal Mail, who reported that they had not removed the box, finally coming to the conclusion that it had been stolen.

When the post box wasn't replaced, residents contacted their MP Toby Perkins, who took up the issue on their behalf. Toby said "I am delighted to have helped. It is important not to underestimate, in this digital age, the..." READ MORE...

Chesterfield To Remember The Fallen

Tuesday 3rd November 2015
Chesterfield residents have the opportunity to gather to remember those who have died in the First World War and subsequent conflicts in events for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

The annual Remembrance Sunday service takes place this Sunday 8th November, at 2.30pm at St Mary and All Saints' Church, the Crooked Spire.

Everyone is welcome to attend but residents are advised to be seated by 2pm as the church becomes very full... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Roll Up, Roll Up, For The 2015 Chesterfield Market Festival

Friday 23rd OCtober 2015 Chesterfield's 2015 market festival takes place from Thursday 29th October to Saturday 31st October, offering a host of fun for all the family.

The annual event, run by Chesterfield Borough Council, sees a range of activities in and around Chesterfield town centre.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: "The market festival attracts thousands of residents and visitors to the town each year." READ MORE...

Blooming Borough Retains Silver Gilt

Tuesday 6th October 2015 Chesterfield has retained its silver gilt award in the annual East Midlands in Bloom awards.

The judges from the awards made their visit to the town this summer and were given a guided tour of the borough and commented on the many improvements that have been made in the last year.

They were particularly impressed with the floral displays in the town centre, the parks and open spaces, including our five Green Flag awarded parks, community involvement at sites including Boythorpe Allotments as well... READ MORE...

Honour For Two Former Chesterfield Borough Councillors

Friday 2nd October 2015 Former councillors Stewart Bradford and David Stone have been made honorary aldermen of the borough in recognition of their long service to Chesterfield Borough Council.

They both received the honour at an extraordinary council meeting held on Monday 28th September.

Stewart Bradford was first elected as a Labour member of the council in May 1983 serving until May 1995 and again from May 1999 until retiring at the local elections earlier this year. READ MORE...

New Future Planned For Chesterfield's Former Co-op Store

Tuesday 29th September 2015 A planning application is to be submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council seeking permission to convert the town's landmark former Co-op store for a mixed leisure and restaurant use.

The large site in Elder Way has been empty since the town's Co-op department store shut its doors to customers for the final time in July 2013.

Now, Central England Co-operative, which still owns the site, is working in partnership with Jomast Developments Ltd, who will shortly submit a planning application for a scheme. READ MORE...

150 New Jobs As Packaging & Print Firm Open Up At Markham

Friday 25th September 2015 Around 150 jobs are set to be created at Chesterfield-based inspirepac, now that the packaging and printing specialists have opened the doors to new premises at Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site at Markham Vale.

The firm, which also has sites in Sheepbridge, Dronfield, Wetherby, Yorkshire and Cheshire, opened its new 100,250 sq ft print packaging unit at Markham this week in a multi-million pound expansion.

And over the next five years it's expected to create around 150... READ MORE...

Reception And Offices Unveiled At Brimington Crematorium

Friday 25th September 2015 A new reception area has been opened at the Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, offering more comfortable facilities for bereaved relatives.

The facilities were opened by Chesterfield mayor, Councillor Barry Bingham, after work which has taken place over the last few weeks.

The improvements include: A relocated reception area so that visitors can be greeted by staff as soon as they enter the building; A ramp, handrail and automatic doors installed to improve access to the building; A private consultation... READ MORE...

Support Highlighted As Council Backs Sexual Health Week

Friday 18th September 2015 It's Sexual Health Week and Derbyshire County Council is highlighting the range of advice and support services it offers to keep residents safe and well.

The annual campaign is running this week with a focus on sexual wellbeing, staying safe, confidence and self-esteem.

The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Derbyshire is significantly below the national average with latest figures showing a rate of 553 per 100,000 population compared to 838 in England. READ MORE...

Over 40 Youngsters Start Their Careers With County Council

Friday 18th September 2015 Over 40 new apprentices have started work at Derbyshire County Council as part of the authority's pledge to boost job opportunities for local young people.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Council Services, Councillor Andy Botham said: "We're delighted to welcome the latest apprentices to the council.

"An apprenticeship is a great way into the world of work and we're committed as an authority to support young people into employment and our apprenticeship positions are a great way to learn a range of skills..." READ MORE...

Cheque Presentation In Honour Of Alderman Jim McManus

Tuesday 15th September 2015 A presentation of a cheque for £1,000 has been made to Macmillian Cancer Support in memory of Alderman Jim McManus.

Donations were received in lieu of flowers at Jim's funeral last month in aid of the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Jim was a councillor from 1987 until retiring at the local elections earlier this year.

He served as the borough's mayor in 2001 to 2002 and was the council's executive member for housing from 2011 until 2015. READ MORE...

Council Leader's Thanks For Local Offer Of Help For Refugees

Tuesday 8th September 2015 Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, has expressed her appreciation for local residents who have offered support to refugees who may start to arrive over the next few weeks.

On Friday, 4th September, Councillor Western wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron to extend an offer to set up a reception centre to provide temporary accommodation, while councils and charities assess the needs of the refugees.

Yesterday, (Monday 7th September), Mr Cameron announced that the UK would accept up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years. READ MORE...

Nappy Sack Suffocation Warning As 2 Babies Die In 14 Months

Friday 28th August 2015 Parents are being warned about the dangers of babies suffocating on nappy sacks following two deaths in Derbyshire in just over a year.

Both deaths were caused by babies obtaining one of the thin plastic sacks used for nappy disposal and putting it over or into their mouths.

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council are now backing the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' (RoSPA) campaign to raise awareness about nappy sack dangers nationally. READ MORE...

Former Bolsover Coalite Site Set To Be Redeveloped

Friday 21st August 2015 Bolsover District Council has granted outline planning permission to Bolsover Land Limited to develop part of the former Coalite Smokeless Fuels site.

The site has lain derelict since 2004 and received outline permission for general industrial (B2 uses), warehousing (B8 uses), an energy centre, a transport hub, open storage and a museum/visitor centre on 31ha of mainly brownfield land within the site.

The land, which is to the south-eastern side of Buttermilk Lane, is likely to include a range of units for smaller start-up and incubator type units... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Families Urged To Take Up Free Nursery Places

Wednesday 19th August 2015 Families who qualify for free childcare for their two year olds will have more options to choose from this September, thanks to Derbyshire County Council.

The authority has created 120 new nursery places in four of its schools, with plans to create even more. 

Families across Derbyshire on low incomes, or certain benefits, can qualify for up to 15 hours of free childcare a week for their two year olds. And, if their child turns two before 31st August, they could take up a place at the start... READ MORE...

Funeral Arrangements Announced For Alderman Jim McManus

Wednesday 19th August 2015 It's been announced that the funeral of Alderman Jim McManus will take place on Tuesday 25th August.

Jim's family have asked that people gather at Staveley Methodist Church at 12.30pm with the service due to take place at 12.40pm.

The funeral cortege will drive past the Town Hall, Rose Hill on its way to the church.

The service will be followed by a private cremation at Chesterfield and District Crematorium for close family and friends. READ MORE...

Chesterfield To Remember VJ Day And End Of World War II

Friday 14th August 2015 Chesterfield residents are invited to attend a special ceremony to mark VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) and the end of the Second World War.

Taking place tomorrow - Saturday 15th August - the ceremony will be held at 10.15am at the war memorial on Rose Hill, opposite the Town Hall. The event is organised by the Chesterfield and District Combined Ex-Service Associations and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Revd Patrick Coleman will give an address at the service, which... READ MORE...

A Level Students Do Chesterfield Proud!

Friday 14th August 2015 A Level students in Derbyshire continue to do the county proud, information released yesterday shows.

According to provisional information for the 27 maintained Derbyshire County Council schools and academies which offer post-16 education: 2478 students received their Level 3 (A Level and equivalent) results yesterday (Thursday 13 August); The percentage of students achieving three A* or A grades remained static, although it appears that the overall proportion of A* or A grades fell nationally; The percentage of students achieving at least one of the higher grades of A* or A also remained static at around 40%; The pass rate in Derbyshire... READ MORE...

Borough Council Pays Tribute To Alderman Jim McManus

Tuesday 11th August 2015 Chesterfield Borough Council is paying tribute to Alderman Jim McManus, who died peacefully this morning.

Jim was a member of the council for 28 years. He was first elected in 1987 and retired at the recent elections held in May.

He served as the borough's mayor in 2001 to 2002 and was the council's executive member for housing from 2011 until earlier this year.

During this time, all of the council's housing reached the... READ MORE...

Car Dealer Fined For Selling 'Unroadworthy' Vehicle

Wednesday 15th July 2015 A second-hand car dealer has been fined a total of £2,242 after selling a vehicle in an unroadworthy condition that could have caused danger of injury.

The result followed a successful prosecution by Derbyshire County Council's trading standards team at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court last week.

The court heard that William Weatherall, 30, of Private Drive, Hollingwood, admitted selling a Ford Transit Van in an unroadworthy condition on 26th July 2014 as he entered a last minute guilty plea... READ MORE...

New Fitness & Leisure Centre Taking Shape At Queen's Park

Wednesday 1st July 2015 - Other Sports proudly sponsored by the CASA Hotel
Eight months after work began, Chesterfield's flagship new Leisure Centre is beginning to take shape.

After the first sod was cut on the £9.3 million project to replace the Queen's Park Sports Centre in September, the structure is now built and many of the facilities inside are beginning to be fitted on the site - the former Queen's Park Annexe on Boythorpe Road.

The centre is being paid for by £4.8 million from... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Paying Respects To Our Former Mayor, Alderman Whyatt

Tuesday 30th June 2015
The funeral of former Chesterfield mayor Alderman Thomas Whyatt took place this Tuesday morning 30th June.

The cortege passed the Town Hall, Rose Hill, at 9.25am with the service at Chesterfield Crematorium at 9.40am.

Mr Whyatt represented Brimington North ward as a councillor before retiring in 1999. He served as mayor of Chesterfield in 1985/86 and was made an honorary alderman in 2004 in recognition of the service he had given to the borough.

Bolsover Town Redevelopment Update

Monday 22nd June 2015 News that Morrisons have put the Sherwood Lodge site in Bolsover on the open market for sale has been met with complete surprise by members and officers at Bolsover District Council.

The Council has worked closely with Morrisions to bring forward this major regeneration opportunity within the town and they were surprised by this approach.

The Council were informed of the sale particulars for the site by a third party and have already expressed their disappointment that Morrisons have made this major decision, especially without talking to them or the local community first... READ MORE...

Crematorium Hosts Open Day And Service Of Remembrance

Monday 22nd June 2015
Chesterfield residents have the opportunity to look behind the scenes at their local crematorium.

The open day takes place at Chesterfield and District Crematorium on Sunday 28th June from 11am to 1pm.

Visitors can have a look behind the scenes at the workings of the crematorium which is managed by a joint committee on behalf of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire... READ MORE...

An Invite To The Spinney Care Home Open Day 'Tea Party'

Monday 15th June 2015

You are personally invited to attend a free open day event, at The Spinney Care Home in Brimington.

They are having a tea party, tea and cakes will be available from 1pm to 3.30pm on Friday 19th June.

The Spinney Care Home is located at Woodlands, Lansdowne road, Brimington S43 1BE. For more information please call: (01629) 537530

North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel Takes On New Role

Thursday 4th June 2015 North East Derbyshire's MP Natascha Engel was yesterday (Wednesday June 3rd) elected as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.

This is the first time a Derbyshire MP has ever held this prestigious role.

Natascha said: "It is a great honour to hold this position in my role as MP for North East Derbyshire. The constituency will continue, as always, to come first."

As Deputy Speaker, Natascha will have to chair debates... READ MORE...

More Jobs At Markham As Meter Provida Announce Relocation

Tuesday 2nd June 2015 A further 20 new jobs are set to be created at Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site as Chesterfield-based Meter Provida prepare to move to Markham Vale.

Work has already started to build a new 40,000 sq. ft. unit for the firm, which supplies gas, water and electric metering products and services for home, commercial and industrial use nationwide for suppliers such as British Gas.

Meter Provida which is based at Broombank Business Park in Chesterfield is expected to open new premises at Markham in November... READ MORE...

Residents To Choose Artwork For New Sports Centre

Saturday 30th May 2015 Residents can have their say on the artwork which will grace the new Queen's Park Sports Centre.

There are three options of the artwork which will be outside the new Chesterfield Borough Council facility, which is currently under construction.

The three options are: Heartbeat - designed by Nottinghamshire sculptor Michael Johnson. The design shows an image of a regular heartbeat symbolising wellbeing and exercise. At 12 metres long and 2.8 metres high, the design would be made of stainless steel with mosaic and bronze elements; the second... READ MORE...

More Free Childcare Places For Two Year Olds

Thursday 28th May 2015
More free childcare places for the county's two year olds are to be made available to families thanks to a major investment by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority is set to create 120 new free places in schools to provide much-needed nursery spaces for the county's toddlers.

The move comes after free childcare for two year olds was extended to take in working families on a low income, so more places are needed. READ MORE...

New B_Line Scheme Given The Go Ahead By County Council

Wednesday 27th May 2015 Thousands more young people are to get help with travel costs after councillors gave the thumbs up to the new b_line scheme.

Cabinet approved plans yesterday (Tuesday 26th May), to extend b_line - introduced in 2001 - to include all young people aged up to 19 living in Derbyshire.

Previously only students in full-time education qualified for the reduction on adult bus and rail fares.

Now, from Saturday 1st August, apprentices and those on... READ MORE...

Join Foster Carers For A Cuppa And A Chat

Tuesday 26th May 2015 It's Fostering Fortnight from 1st June to 14th June and Derbyshire County Council is inviting you to join social workers and foster carers for tea or coffee and cake, and an informal chat about fostering.

They are an opportunity to speak to foster carers. Anyone can drop in. Bring the family. You don't need an appointment but if you want to talk to the county council, call 0800 083 77 44.

Some Derbyshire children, for one reason or another, can't be with their birth family. Foster carers are needed to offer them a loving home... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Chesterfield's 'Ordinary Hero' Parades Through Town

Sunday 24th May 2015 Two weeks ago, lifelong Chesterfield resident Barry Bingham, was worrying whether he would win back his seat in the council elections - and after an emotional, and whirlwind fortnight, he was unveiled publically on Saturday 23rd May 2015 as the 375th Mayor of Chesterfield.

After being sworn in at Chambers last Wednesday evening, he paraded through town on Saturday morning - again with family and fellow dignitaries - to attend his Civic Service at the Crooked Spire.

Hundreds of shoppers and well wishers lined... READ MORE, AUDIO & VIDEO...

Bolsover District Council Staff Row 100 Miles For Charity

Thursday 21st May 2015 Staff from Bolsover District Council rowed 100 miles in 12 hours recently as part of a 'Strokes for Stroke' event on 18 May 2015 to mark the Stroke Association's 'Action on Stroke Month'.

After 12 hours of blood, sweat and tears, the 20 members of staff - who were in teams of four/five - successfully achieved the target and rowed 100.5miles in the allocated time.

The event - a partnership between Bolsover District Council, Stroke Association, DCHS Integrated Wellbeing Service, DAAS (Derbyshire... READ MORE...

"Thank You For Making Me Mayor!" Cllr Bingham Takes Office

Thursday 21st May 2015 Councillor Barry Bingham awoke yesterday to his first full day as the 375th Mayor of Chesterfield.

A lifelong resident of Chesterfield, Barry was born in New Whittington and attended Edwin Swale school in Chesterfield before beginning a career in engineering.

On Tuesday night, in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall, Barry was duly elected Mayor of Chesterfield for the year 2015/16.

A Councillor since 2007 and standing as a Liberal Democrat... READ MORE...

Council Highlights Support For Dementia Awareness Week

Tuesday 19th May 2015 Events to raise awareness and share information about dementia will be taking place from today as Derbyshire County Council supports Dementia Awareness Week 2015.

The council is a member of Derbyshire Dementia Action Alliance which is committed to improving the lives of residents living with the condition and their carers to create a more dementia-friendly county.

The authority is also part of Dementia Friends - a national initiative aiming to create dementia-friendly communities by improving understanding... READ MORE...

Museum's Art Installation Remembers Chesterfield Stokers

Tuesday 19th May 2015
A special art installation at Chesterfield Museum will remember local men who served as stokers in the First World War.

Sheffield-based Kidology Arts will take over art gallery space with a large scale art installation based on the local men who were stokers in the Royal Navy during the First World War.

This will be on display at the Chesterfield Borough Council attraction will run from Saturday 23rd May until Saturday 18th July... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Visitor's Information Center Highly Commended

Monday 18th May 2015 Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre has been highly commended in a prestigious industry awards ceremony.

The centre in Rykneld Square, operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, received the accolade in the visitor information provider category of the VisitEngland awards for excellence 2015.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: "The VisitEngland awards for excellence are prestigious national awards and I am proud..." READ MORE...

Chesterfield Borough Council Leader Names New Cabinet

Friday 15th May 2015 One week after retaining control in the borough elections, Chesterfield Borough Council's leader, Councillor John Burrows, has today named his cabinet.

In the elections, Labour won 38 seats - an increase of four - and remains the largest party.

Chesterfield Borough council's cabinet is as follows: Councillor John Burrows, leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration; Councillor Terry Gilby, deputy leader and cabinet member for planning... READ MORE...

New Team To Lead Bolsover Council

Friday 15th May 2015 Councillor Ann Syrett has taken up the main role of Leader of Bolsover District Council, becoming the first female Leader in the Council's history.

Joining Councillor Syrett is Councillor Mary Dooley, who was elected as Deputy Leader of the Council and they replace retired councillors, Eion Watts OBE and Alan Tomlinson respectively.

Councillor Syrett said, "I would like to thank the Council for putting their trust in me to lead them over the next four years. It has been an education..." READ MORE...

Welcoming Chesterfield's New Mayor Cllr Barry Bingham

Friday 15th May 2015 Councillor Barry Bingham will become Chesterfield's 375th mayor at a ceremony at the Town Hall this week.

The new mayor will take up his position at Chesterfield Borough Council's annual council meeting on Wednesday 20th May at 5pm.

Councillor Bingham was raised in Old Whittington and New Whittington, he worked at the Staveley Coal, Iron and Chemical Company for 38 years.

He has served as a Liberal Democrat councillor since 2007... READ MORE...

Councillors Count On Residents As Chesterfield Chooses

Friday 8th May 2015
It's been a busy 24 hours throughout the UK - and now the votes have been verified and counted.

Derbyshire councils have, like their parliamentary counterparts, bucked the trend, with Labour retaining control of both Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire councils, as well as returning their Labour MP's. Parish council elections were also held in both areas, with some seats uncontested.

All results are in tonight and can be found in full on... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Sees Red In Parliamentary Elections

Friday 8th May 2015 In terms of personnel, it's business as usual for Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire's two MP's - after both Toby Perkins and Natascha Engel were returned to parliament overnight in the 2015 General Election.

As it becomes clear this morning that David Cameron's Conservatives have remained in Downing Street, it was a disappointing night for Labour, the Lib Dems and UKIP, with none performing as had been predicted throughout the UK.

This area bucked the trend though, with Toby Perkins surging ahead of the second placed Conservative Party, gathering a 13,598 majority... READ MORE & AUDIO...

And We're Off.... Chesterfield Goes To The Polls

Thursday 7th May 2015 Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire go to the polls today, in what’s expected nationally to be a tightly run election for both Parliamentary and local council seats.

Polling stations throughout the area opened at 7am and will close tonight at 10pm, with counting then beginning for the Parliamentary seats. Results are expected to be known overnight, with the results of council seats declared tomorrow.

Parliamentary-wise, there are two seats available - in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire - and full details of the candidates... READ MORE...

Parliamentary And Local Election Candidates Announced

Tuesday 14th April 2015 The Parliamentary and local Council Election candidates have been announced for Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.

The Parliamentary candidates standing for Chesterfield are: Julia Dawn Cambridge (Lib Dems), Matthew James Genn (Green), Tommy Holgate (Peace), Toby Perkins (Lab), Mark Richard Egner Vivis (Con), Matt Whale (Trade Union Socialist Coalition), Stuart David Yeowart (UKIP).

Most people in the Chesterfield borough will vote to elect the MP for Chesterfield. However, voters in the Barrow Hill and New Whittington ward... READ MORE...

Your Last Chance To Register To Vote Is Looming

Wednesday 8th April 2015 Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The last day to register to vote in the elections on Thursday 7th May is Monday 20th April, 2015.

Most residents will already be registered. Anyone who has changed their address or personal details may need to re-register.

The easiest way to register to vote is by completing a simple... READ MORE...

£1bn Of Investment Hailed A 'Game Changer' For Chesterfield

Friday 27th March 2015 Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, has described the £1 billion of developments currently happening in the town as a 'real game-changer'.

His comments came at the recent annual Celebrate Chesterfield event, organised by the town's inward investment campaign Destination Chesterfield. Held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 25th March, the packed event saw more than 220 business leaders gather to learn about plans for the town.

The £1 billion investment in the local economy includes... READ MORE...

Flooding Relief For Chesterfield Residents

Friday 27th March 2015 More than 60 homes in Chesterfield are set to receive work to prevent property flooding in a scheme supported by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Work is currently being carried out by specialist contractor Whitehouse Construction on three homes in Spital Lane. This will see the properties fitted with flood doors, drainage pumps and non-return valves as well as other works to seal against floodwater entering the property.

A further 59 homes in Brampton will benefit from the work later... READ MORE...

Borough Council Website Helping Promote Job Opportunities

Thursday 26th March 2015 Job seekers can now get tips on how to apply for work through a link on Chesterfield Borough Council’s website.

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with the Government's Department of Work and Pensions and local job centres to help publicise the opportunities available to people in the borough as the town benefits from more than £1 billion of investment across the private and public sectors.

The Tumblr site, called Daily Jobseeker, contains: Advice on how to create a CV or fill in an application form to boost your chances of an interview... READ MORE...

N E Derbyshire District Council Set For Office Relocation

Thursday 26th March 2015 April 2015 will signal the start of a brand new era for North East Derbyshire District Council as they start relocating to their new headquarters on Mill Lane in Wingerworth.

The Council purchased the former CPL building in November 2013 and as the refurbishment programme is nearing completion, the first departments are all set to move from the current offices on Saltergate and into their new accommodation.

The relocation will take place on a phased basis over several weekends in April and May to limit the amount of disruption caused to residents... READ MORE...

£4.5 Million In Improvements Planned For Barrow Hill Estate

Saturday 21st March 2015 An estate in Barrow Hill is to get a £4.5 million facelift after Chesterfield Borough Council gave the go ahead for an improvement programme.

The work to the London Boroughs estate will include: New roads through the estate to improve access; Improving car parking throughout the estate; Re-routing and redesigning footpaths; Introducing shared courtyards; Making improvements to the green spaces; Improvements to garden boundaries

The proposed changes follow extensive public consultations... READ MORE...

Toby Perkins MP 'Tourism's An Important Part Of Our Economy'

Saturday 21st March 2015 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins visited Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre on Friday morning to celebrate tourism in the borough.

The visit to the centre in Rykneld Square, owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, was part of an initiative by Visit England to encourage MPs of all political parties to promote tourism in their constituencies as part of English Tourism Week.

Toby Perkins MP said, "Over the last few years..." READ MORE & AUDIO...

'Ground-Breaking' Jobs And Growth Deal Sought By Leaders

Wednesday 18th March 2015 Council leaders from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and business leaders from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) were in London yesterday (Tuesday 17th March), to open discussions with Whitehall to begin to negotiate a ground-breaking devolution deal for powers that will give local people and local businesses more influence over the things that make our economy grow and local lives better.

The consortium of representatives from the two proposed Combined Authorities of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area, together with prominent business figures from the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire... READ MORE...

Celebrate Tourism In Chesterfield - And Win Prizes!

Saturday 14th March 2014 Visitors to Chesterfield town centre this week can win prizes in a series of competitions run by Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.

The centre in Rykneld Square, owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, is running the competitions to celebrate English Tourism Week, from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd March.

Competitions include: A word search to win tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Winding Wheel; A Chesterfield quiz to win a family ticket to Hardwick Hall; Name 25 things you can buy on... READ MORE...

Chesterfield MP Congratulates 3 Local Businesses At The LSE

Tuesday 10th March 2015 Three local companies have yesterday been named in a London Stock Exchange Group report, which highlighted the innovative and successful work of 1000 inspirational small businesses across the UK.

Those named in the report and based in Chesterfield were Media company, Concentia Capital (www.imagesound.com), Information Technology company, EBECS (www.ebecs.com) and Financial Services company, Evolution Funding (www.evolutionfunding.com)

In his capacity as Labour's Shadow Small Business... READ MORE...

Road To New Business Opportunites At Markham Vale

Tuesday 10th March 2015 Work to bring more businesses and jobs to Derbyshire County Council's flagship Markham Vale regeneration site, will reach another milestone with the re-opening of Erin Road on Monday 16 March.

The road closed to motorists in August last year as part of plans to turn an area of land where the former Seymour Colliery once stood into commercial space for businesses with the potential to bring an additional 2,000 jobs to Derbyshire.

Closure allowed for the removal of the 'Bailey' bridge over Erin Road, and for groundwork to begin for gas, water and electricity supplies. READ MORE...

Council's Reaction To Wellington Pub Protection Decision

Friday 6th March 2015 Chesterfield Borough Council has confirmed that it is adding the Wellington Hotel, New Whittington, to its list of assets of community value and has also agreed to issue an Immediate article 4 direction which prevents development on the site without planning permission as we reported yesterday.

Councillor Terry Gilby, the Council's Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Planning made the decisions on Wednesday 4th March, which follows a high profile local campaign to keep the Wellington Hotel operating as a community pub. Councillor Gilby said: "The fact the residents in New ..." READ MORE...

Chesterfield To Host National Canal Festival In 2016

Friday 6th March 2015
There's good news ahoy for our local Waterways - with the announcement this morning that Chesterfield Canal has been chosen to host a prestigious national festival at it's Staveley Town Basin.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust says it will be 'delighted' to host the Inland Waterways Association National Trailboat Festival during the Spring Bank Holiday 2016.

Highlights will include an illuminated parade of boats on the Saturday night and a convoy right up to the River Rother at St Helena's on the Monday. READ MORE...

Local Group Funds Available From Council's Community Chest

Friday 6th March 2015 Applications are currently being invited for local groups to receive funding of up to £5,000 through Chesterfield Borough Council's community chest.

Registered charities, community and voluntary groups in Chesterfield or with strong links to the borough can apply for grants between £1,000 and £5,000 from the scheme, which aims to improve facilities for residents.

The activities applied for must support the priorities set by local people at the council's Community Assembly meetings. READ MORE...

Recognised Pub Is 'Of Value' Says MP

Thursday 5th March 2015 Beer lovers and their MP are raising a glass as councillors have agreed to grant a popular local pub protected status.

The Wellington, on New Whittington's High Street, was brought by a property development company last year who expressed an interest in turning the site into a supermarket. The Wellington's regulars were up in arms over the proposals and formed a campaign group, 'Save Our Welly', to keep the building operating as a pub.

Backed by North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel, Save Our Welly went to Chesterfield Borough Council to press the authority to grant... READ MORE...

Borough Council Freezes Council Tax For 2nd Year Running

Wednesday 4th March 2015 Councillors have voted to freeze the amount of Council Tax paid by residents for services provided by Chesterfield Borough Council for the second year running.

The unanimous vote was taken at the council meeting on Thursday 26th February, to help hard-working families in the borough.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council's leader, said: "Despite the fact we are, again, facing a huge cut in the funding we receive from the Government, we have frozen Council Tax again to help families... READ MORE...

28 Day Sentence For A Newbold Nuisance Neighbour

Wednesday 4th March 2015 An anti-social neighbour in Chesterfield has been sent to a young offenders' institute for 28 days.

Joshua Hibbert, 19, of Arundel Close, received the sentence after flouting a court injunction which stopped him returning to his council flat in Newbold.

The injunction had been put in place by Chesterfield County Court following an application made by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The court heard Hibbert had a large number of visitors to his flat... READ MORE...

Council Tax Freeze For North East Derbyshire Residents

Thursday 26th February 2015 North East Derbyshire District Council has frozen the amount of council tax households will pay for 2015/16.

Councillors agreed the freeze at its meeting on Monday 23rd February 2015, despite having to save £0.5m in 2015/16 and an anticipated £2.2m in the following two years (2016/17 and 2017/18). The Council also agreed a budget of £13.9m for 2015/16 and will continue to invest this in frontline services including leisure facilities and regenerating the District.

Council Leader, Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, said, "We are..." READ MORE...

Council Issues Advice About Scarlet Fever As Cases Increase

Thursday 26th February 2015 Public health officials from Derbyshire County Council are warning parents to look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever in their children as the number of local cases increases.

More cases are usually reported between March and April each year but there has been a 77% increase in Derbyshire so far this year with 39 cases compared to 22 in 2014. The previous year's increase was 22%.

To help prevent the spread of the disease, which most commonly occurs in children aged between two and eight, public health officers have published... READ MORE...

£69m Investment To Be Made In Chesterfield Council Homes

Tuesday 24th February 2015
A further £69 million investment is to be made in improving the condition of Chesterfield council homes.

Chesterfield Borough Council has agreed to the improvement programme after news that it will achieve the Government's Decent Homes standard in all 9,500 council homes it owns and manages by the end of March.

The standard requires all homes to meet set criteria that ensure they are warm, protected from the weather and have modern facilities... READ MORE...

Langwith Benefit Cheat Pleads Guilty

Tuesday 24th February 2015 A Langwith man has been prosecuted by Bolsover District Council following an investigation into his benefit claims dating back to April 2013. 

David Hallam, 52, of The Woodlands, appeared at North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to claiming almost £6,500 in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support to which he was not entitled.

Hallam had claimed Housing Benefit based on his partner's earnings but failed to declare when he returned to work from April 2013 and also... READ MORE...

Flooding Risk In Derbyshire - Have Your Say!

Wednesday 18th February 2015

Local residents are to be asked to give their views on Derbyshire County Council's plans for coordinating the management of flood risk in Derbyshire.

By law, the County Council has to publish a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), that covers things like responsibilities for managing flooding and flood risk, sources of funding available and how the county council's flood risk management team can support the planning process, as well as how they will prioritise co-ordinating the management of flooding incidents. READ MORE...

'Hear All About It' At Hollingwood Hub

Wednesday 18th February 2015 The Chesterfield Canal Trust has unveiled the latest attraction at Hollingwood Hub in the shape of an 'audio post'.

Visitors enjoying the canal's attractions can simply wind a handle a few times to hear the machine play a short message. There are eight messages from which to choose - about the canal, the Trust and local history.

Wherever possible, the recordings were made by people who did the work or have detailed local knowledge - Dave France is a member of the Chesterfield Canal Trust Work Party and he tells the story of installing the massive... READ MORE...

Council Debate Over 'Welly' Support Packs Public Galleries

Thursday 12th February 2015 "We're at the first step - it'll be a long fight - but we're up for it!" That was Andy Bell, from Friends Of The Wellington, as he addressed Chesterfield Borough Council last night in the chambers - during an impassioned and often emotional evening, when local councillors debated the petition to designate the pub an Asset of Community Value, and issue an Article 4 direction preventing development.

The public galleries were both open as people from New Whittington who use the pub packed in (it was noted by the Councillors that it was the only time since the 1984 miner's strike that they had opened the two sides of the gallery)... READ MORE...

'Show Your Support For The Welly' Says N E Derbyshire MP

Wednesday 11th February 2015
A campaign to save a New Whittington pub has stepped up a gear, with the support of North East Derbyshire's MP.

The Wellington pub has been bought by a property developer - New River Retail - with a view to turning the site into a Co-op convenience store.

The local community, backed by MP Natascha Engel, has formed a campaign group - Save Our Welly - to keep the premise run as a pub. Over 70 local people attended its campaign meeting on Monday night. READ MORE...

County Council Mobile Library Service Back Up And Running

Wednesday 11th February 2015
Derbyshire County Council's revised mobile library service is now up and running with new timetables available online.

The council started running revised routes in January as part of The Derbyshire Challenge to cut £157m from its budget by 2018.

It cost the authority £720,000 a year to run the existing service and proposals were drawn up using feedback from almost 8,000 residents who took part in a public consultation last year. READ MORE...

Results of Brimington By-Election

Friday 6th February 2015 The results of the by-election to the Brimington division of Derbyshire County Council, held on Thursday 5th February 2015 are as follows:
• Tricia Gilby - Labour: 1293 votes
• Paul Christopher Stone - UKIP: 380 votes
• Mick Bagshaw - Independent: 157 votes
• John Edward Ahern - Liberal Democrat: 135 votes
• Lewis Mark Preston - Conservative: 120 votes
Tricia Gilby has been elected as the county councillor for the Brimington division of Derbyshire County Council.

Chesterfield Family Going To Parliament To Tell Their Story

Thursday 5th February 2015 On Monday 9th February, a local family from Chesterfield will get the chance to speak to politicians, charity organisers and NHS policy makers, in Parliament, about the importance of children's organ donation.

Freya Bingham, 5 from Newbold, was born with a rare heart condition and required a transplant.  Due to a shortage of registered donors her family faced an agonising two month wait whilst a suitable donor was found.

Fortunately, following a successful transplant, Freya is on the... READ MORE...

Derbyshire MP Questions Government Over Flooding

Wednesday 4th February 2015
Natascha Engel, the Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire, put a question to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Parliament this week.

Ms Engel asked when the Department intends to deliver the sustainable drainage systems that were promised in the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

The question came on the back of the high number of constituents who have contacted Ms Engel about problems with flooding. READ MORE...

Students Pledge 'Never Again' For Holocaust Memorial Day

Wednesday 29th January 2015 Chesterfield College hosted a moving and emotional Holocaust Memorial Day event yesterday, to mark the 70th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

After hearing Bernard Grunberg's moving story about his escape from Nazi Germany when he was just 15, a packed room full of students, staff and members of the local community made 'Never again' pledges.

The pledges were hung on a tree created by students at the college and will be on display in the Heart Space of the Infirmary Road campus for... READ MORE...

MP Dismayed Over Government's 'Failure To Protect Pubs'

Wednesday 29th January 2015 North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel has spoken of her frustration over the government's scuppering of a measure that would help protect community pubs - including New Whittington favourite The Wellington - from being converted to retail premises.

MPs voted on an amendment to the wide-ranging Infrastructure Bill last night, which would require planning permission to be sought before demolishing or converting a pub into a supermarket convenience store or other retail premises.

The proposal won the backing of 245 Labour and opposition MPs... READ MORE...

Minister For Education Goes 'Back To School' In Staveley

Saturday 24th January 2015 Minister of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, was in Staveley on Thursday afternoon to see for herself what she termed, "the excellent things they're doing" at Netherthorpe School.

The Right Hon Ms Morgan was met on arrival by Netherthorpe's Headteacher Alan Senior, Head Boy Ronan Kelly, Head Girl Aureliah Chanzu and Deputy Prefects Sasha Bestwick, Rebecca Sawdon and Gabrielle Collins - before touring the school site and speaking to staff and pupils about their educational experiences.

The school, which became an Academy in 2012 and... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Borough Councillors Recommended To Freeze Council Tax

Thursday 22nd January 2015 Borough councillors in Chesterfield are to be recommended to freeze Chesterfield Borough Council's portion of Council Tax for a second year running.

Councillors will vote on the motion to be proposed by the council's leader, Councillor John Burrows, at the council meeting on 26th February, as part of the council's commitment to help hard-working families in the borough.

This comes despite the news that Chesterfield again is one of 19 authorities in the country facing the biggest spending cut in Government grant... READ MORE...

Holocaust Survivor To Speak At Chesterfield Event

Tuesday 20th January 2015 A Holocaust survivor is to speak at an event in Chesterfield to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Bernard Grunberg, will speak at the event at Chesterfield College, Infirmary Road from 11.30am on Tuesday 27th January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

The event is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council's Equality and Diversity Forum with the Derbyshire Law Centre, Derbyshire Constabulary and Chesterfield College. READ MORE...

County Council Approves Plans To Consult On B_LINE

Tuesday 20th January 2015 Councillors have today (Tuesday, January 20th) approved plans to consult on changes to the county's student travel scheme, b_line, which could see an extra 6,000 young people in Derbyshire benefit from cut-price bus and rail journeys.

Changes to the scheme, which was launched in 2001 and is for young people aged 11 to 19 who are resident in Derbyshire, are needed because the county council must make cuts of £157m by 2018.

These proposed changes, plus funding from other sources, could... READ MORE...

Huge Boost Announced For Tourism And Jobs In Chesterfield

Friday 16th January 2015 A £400 million tourism development that will bring more than 1,300 jobs to Chesterfield has been welcomed as a further sign of the borough’s economic strength.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, the town's marketing campaign, both say the news that the Peak Resort project will soon get underway shows the private sector's confidence about investing in the borough.

News about the start of work on the integrated all-weather, year round leisure, health, sport and education destination was formally announced by... READ MORE...

NEDDC Announce New Aldi Store Set For Eckington

Friday 2nd January 2015 Eckington is set for a regeneration boost as North East Derbyshire District Council has given approval for a new Aldi store to be built in the town.

The new supermarket will bring jobs to the town and broaden the retail choice for consumers, meaning they are more likely to stay and shop in Eckington rather than spending their money in nearby towns and villages.

The Council's Planning Committee gave approval for the former Northgate Information Solutions building on Littlemoor Road to be... READ MORE...

Borough Council Branding Changed For First Time In 40 Years

Friday 2nd January 2015 New branding is being introduced to help Chesterfield Borough Council improve customer service, generate more income and save on future design costs.

The council's branding was originally created 40 years ago and so was not designed with modern publishing needs in mind, particularly for websites or social media.

The new visual identity, produced by Chesterfield-based company Crush Design, continues to feature the town's famous Crooked Spire and is designed to help attract more people to use services that generate income, such as... READ MORE...

Derbyshire's School Catering Service Wins National Award

Friday 12th December 2014
School cooks across Derbyshire are toasting their success after winning a national award.

Derbyshire County Council's schools catering service has been named the "Most improved performer for education catering" for 2014.

The awards were presented by the Association of Public Service Excellence based on cost, quality and value for money across a whole range of local government services. READ MORE...

More New Jobs Are An Early Christmas Present At Markham

Thursday 11th December 2014 A new family pub and restaurant development has opened on Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site in time for Christmas bringing 47 jobs to the area.

Marston's Inns and Taverns, which provides pubs throughout the UK, selected Markham Vale off M1 junction 29A near Chesterfield to build its new pub restaurant called The Little Castle.

Located next to McDonald's, the pub restaurant offers an extensive food and drinks menu, including daily carvery, in a family-friendly setting. READ MORE...

Think 'Youthinc' For County Youth Services

Wednesday 10th December 2014 A new identity for all youth services offered to Derbyshire's young people was launched on Friday.

Young people, youth workers and invited special guests celebrated 'YOUTHINC' - a brand designed by and for young people to badge up all Derbyshire County Council youth services.

A YOUTHINC website, launched in February this year, continually offers county young people vital information about: Something to do; Something to learn; Somewhere to go; Someone to talk to; Something to say. READ MORE...

Santa Really Is In 'Wonderland' In Eckington This Christmas

Wednesday 10th December 2014 Santa is not just living next door to, but living with Alice In Wonderland in Eckington.

The the local town team have worked very hard not to be late - for the annual 'Very Important Date' - Christmas!

All the family are welcome to visit the special 'Alice In Wonderland' themed grotto at Southgate.

The grotto will be open very Thursday, Friday and Saturday until... READ MORE...

Winner Announced In MP's Christmas Card Design Competition

Monday 8th December 2014 Children from a Chesterfield school have been busy with paint, glue and glitter following a challenge set by Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins to design his Christmas Card.

Toby sends Christmas Cards to over 3000 people, business and organisations across Chesterfield and Staveley, to other MP's and even as far afield as the Prime Minister and the Queen!

Toby congratulated winning artist Charlotte Morgan, year 6, commenting that her design looked like the Crooked Spire and Big Ben - so was a... READ MORE...

Every Campaigner Helps! Tesco Backs Down In Pub Take Over

Tuesday 2nd December 2014 Celebrations tonight after it was confirmed that Tesco are no longer planning to turn the Crispin Pub into a Tesco Express.

As we reported HERE back in March, the pub, on Ashgate Road, has been the subject of a large campaign by residents, who say that it's closure would take away a vital part of the community.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield - who has long supported the campaign - confirmed the news earlier tonight, issuing a statement which said, "Have had a phone call from Tesco to say that they won't now be going ahead..." READ MORE...

Young People Hail 'Made In Chesterfield' Week A Success

Tuesday 2nd December 2014 More than 400 students from North East Derbyshire's schools have hailed Chesterfield's very first manufacturing festival, Made in Chesterfield, a success.

The week (10th - 14th November), which was coordinated by Destination Chesterfield, featured a programme of manufacturing dedicated events.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield kicked off the festival by unveiling a new sculpture outside Chesterfield Coach Station, which was a collaboration between, Franke Sissons Ltd's apprentices and students from... READ MORE...

Candlelit Vigils Show Support For Victims Of Domestic Abuse

Friday 28th November 2014 Simultaneous candlelit vigils are to be held in four Derbyshire towns next week to raise awareness about domestic abuse and the support services available to victims.

North Derbyshire, South Derbyshire, Amber Valley and Erewash and High Peak and Derbyshire Dales Domestic and Sexual Abuse Action Groups - which are all working to tackle domestic abuse with support from Derbyshire County Council - will hold the vigils on Wednesday 3rd December.

Research shows that one in three women and one in six men will... READ MORE...

Public Meeting Sees Villagers Vow To Save Popular Pub

Friday 28th November 2014 "People don't realise until these places are gone what a big difference they make! Can we manage without another convenience store? Yes. Can we manage without the Wellington? No!"

That was New Whittington resident Dave Tagg speaking at a public meeting attended by over 200 people last night (Thursday 27th November), set up to discuss plans to turn what they say is a 'much needed' community pub into a convenience store - believed to be a Co-op.

Marston's Brewery are responsible for the day... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Receives Visit From Namibian High Commissioner

Thursday 27th November 2014 Chesterfield has been pleased to receive the High Commissioner of Namibia, Steve Katjiuanjo, today - to pay tribute to the 20th year anniversary of twinning between the town and Tsumeb in Africa.

The High Commissioner took up the post, based in London, in December 2013, having begun his political life as a student agitator before becoming a senior civil servant in the Prime Minister's cabinet in 1997 - becoming Permanent Secretary in 2005 and latterly, Justice Secretary in 2007.

His Excellency and his wife, Christophine, have spent the... READ MORE...

Toby Perkins MP Joins 'Small Business Saturday' Bus Tour

Tuesday 25th November 2014 Local MP and Shadow Small Business Minister, Toby Perkins, lent his support to the UK's Small Business Saturday - when small, independent businesses in communities across the country are placed in the national spotlight - by joining a nationwide bus tour on its stop in Chesterfield at the weekend, to promote the event to both consumers and small business owners.

The liveried Small Business Saturday bus, was due to tour the region with it's message, as well as the on-board representatives of Barclays' Digital Eagles and the O2 Angels, providing support and advice for consumers and... READ MORE...

Borough Council Confirms Rights For Variable Hours Workers

Tuesday 25th November 2014
Chesterfield Borough Council has passed a policy which confirms that staff on variable hours contracts will continue to have the same rights as other employees.

These rights include: Holiday entitlement; Sick pay based on the number of hours worked in the previous 12 weeks; and Access to training courses.

The council's Employment and General Committee agreed the new policy developed with the unions UNISON, GMB and UNITE. READ MORE...

It's 'Strictly' Festive At Chesterfield's Xmas Lights Switch-On

Monday 24th november 2014 The stage was set for the festive season in Chesterfield yesterday as thousands packed into New Square to celebrate the switching on of the town's Christmas lights by stars of this year's panto and local dignitaries (oh, and Santa himself!).

The day had begun with a traditional Christmas market, with entertainment and attractions situated through the town. A roadshow by local radio station Peak FM also kept the gathering crowds entertained until darkness fell.

Students from local theatre school 'Chesterfield... READ MORE & VIDEO...

NEDDC Put Ridgeway Craft Centre Up For Sale

Monday 24th November 2014 North East Derbyshire District Council has placed Ridgeway Craft Centre up for sale and is inviting expressions of interest from eligible community organisations across the District.

The Craft Centre, on Main Road, in Ridgeway, was recently designated as an asset of community value which means that the owner is required to give notice of an intended sale, allowing eligible community interest groups up to six weeks' to register an expression of interest to bid for the property.

Anyone interested has until 25th December 2014 to register... READ MORE...

Shadow Chancellor Opens New Production Line In Clay Cross

Friday 21st November 2014

Shadow chancellor, Ed Balls MP and North East Derbyshire MP, Natascha Engel, officially opened Worcester Bosch Group's new gas boiler production line at the company's Clay Cross factory on Thursday 20th November.

The two MP's were welcomed with a tour of the factory, which is home to Worcester's Oil-fired Centre of Excellence and produces around 25,000 oil-fired boilers each year, before cutting the ribbon on a new £2.5 million production assembly line, that will see gas boilers manufactured specifically for export... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Tributes To Twin Town Darmstadt - Centre For Comet Landing

Thursday 13th November 2014 The Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Alexis Diouf, has this morning paid tribute to the efforts of scientists at the European Space Agency, in Chesterfield's twin town of Darmstadt, as they analyse and celebrate the success of the Rosetta Mission - which has seen a robot probe, Philae, land on a comet.

His Worship said he is delighted for the team in Germany in a town he has been proud to visit recently, "We would like to pass on our congratulations to our Twin Town of Darmstadt in their involvement in the ESA Launch and successful landing on the comet." READ MORE...

Launch For Chesterfield's Latest Landmark

Thursday 13th November 2014 Chesterfield's latest landmark, 'Growth', the sculpture at Hornsbridge Island, has been officially launched.

Chesterfield's Mayor, Councillor Alexis Diouf, switched on the low-energy lights which will illuminate the sculpture at a ceremony held yesterday evening.

The project, led by Chesterfield Borough Council, was in response to requests from local businesses to improve the gateways into the town centre.

The sculpture was designed by Derbyshire-based artist... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Town 'Steels' Itself During 'Made In Chesterfield' Week

Thursday 13th November 2014 Chesterfield Champion Franke Sissons Ltd, kicked off an entire week dedicated to celebrating the town's manufacturing heritage, by unveiling a brand new sculpture which has been designed and made by the firm's apprentices and students from Parkside School.

The unveiling of the sculpture at Chesterfield Coach Station was the start of a series of Made in Chesterfield events organised by Destination Chesterfield.

The week is designed to celebrate the town's manufacturing heritage as well as raise awareness of the wealth of job and career opportunities in the... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Comes Together To Honour The Fallen

Tuesday 11th November 2014 On the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month, Chesterfield, as it always does, fell silent to honour and remember those who have fallen in conflicts recent and past.

Shops and schools throughout the town paid their respects with silence - and in the centre of Chesterfield, thousands gathered around the Cenotaph opposite the Town Hall to mark the moment in public.

Council leaders and staff joined the Deputy Mayor - Cllr Denise Hawksworth and her consort Mr Tony Rogers, on the steps of the... READ MORE, AUDIO & VIDEO...

Derbyshire Schools Support Anti-Bullying Week

Tuesday 11th November 2014 Schools and children's homes across Derbyshire are taking part in a week of activities to beat bullying.

National Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 17th to 21st November, is supported by Derbyshire County Council which is taking part in a national trial to raise awareness of homophobia, racism, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.

This year's message is stopping bullying for all, with a special focus on disabled children and those with special educational needs who are significantly more likely to experience bullying. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Takes Pride In Remembering

Monday 10th November 2014
They came to remember and, in scenes replicated across the UK, Chesterfield's veterans shared their private memories of war on the most public of occasions - Remembrance Sunday - this year, the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War One.

At 11am, the town came to a standstill as villages, shops and supermarkets observed one minute's silence to honour the fallen of many wars. Services of Remembrance were also held at various points across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire throughout the day - with more... READ MORE, AUDIO & VIDEO...

Chesterfield Remembers The Glorious Dead

Wednesday 5th November 2014 Chesterfield residents will come together to remember those who have died in conflicts since 1914.

The annual service of remembrance takes place at St Mary and All Saints' Church (the 'Crooked Spire'), on Remembrance Sunday, 9th November, at 2.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend the service in church but people are advised to be in their seats by 2pm as the church becomes very full.

The service will be followed by a parade from the church... READ MORE...

Brookfield School Students Make The Best Of Starts

Wednesday 29th October 2014 A team of students from Brookfield Community School have won a competition supported by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Young Enterprise.

The Start Challenge is an initiative designed to inspire young people, developing relevant employability and life skills, attitudes and knowledge through engagement with business people.

'Amplify' created the idea of a social network site for musicians of all ages and abilities, who want to collaborate and their music to be heard... READ MORE...

Work Gets Underway At Parkside In Chesterfield

Tuesday 28th October 2014 Work is underway on a £3 million older persons housing scheme that will provide 22 new homes for pensioners in Chesterfield.

The scheme at Parkside, in Stand Road, is one of Chesterfield Borough Council's top priorities for the coming year.

The old complex at Parkside was demolished at the beginning of the year to allow the new, purpose-built flats to be built.

Councillor Jim McManus, Chesterfield Borough Council's... READ MORE...

National Adoption Week - What Does Adoption Mean To You?

Tuesday 28th October 2014 It's National Adoption Week from 3rd - 9th November and it's the perfect time to find out more about what it means to become an adoptive parent.

There's around 630 children in care in Derbyshire and for many of them adoption is the best way for them to have a permanent, secure and happy family.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People councillor Kevin Gillott said: "When you adopt, you take on all legal rights and responsibilities for a child." READ MORE...

Tributes Paid To Former County Council Chairman

Thursday 23rd October 2014 Tributes have been paid to Councillor Walter Burrows - who was a former Chairman of Derbyshire County Council between 2005-2007 and brother of Chesterfield Borough Council Leader Cllr John Burrows - after he passed away on Wednesday, following a short illness, aged eighty.

Councillor Burrows had served as county councillor for Brimington since 1993, including a period as Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Transport. 

Leaders of all three main political parties at the County Council... READ MORE...

County Council Expands Nuisance Call Block Pilot

Wednesday 15th October 2014 More older and vulnerable residents will be protected from telephone fraud after a Derbyshire County Council trial using monitoring devices found more than 80% of the calls they received were nuisance calls.

The council liaised with Derbyshire police to select seven residents from the target group to take part in the pilot scheme trial between February and August 2014.

During that time they received a total of 1,566 calls - and 1,300 (83%) were unsolicited or cold calls blocked by the device. READ MORE...

Work Begins On New Eastwood Park Pavilion

Friday 10th October 2014 Chesterfield Borough Council's builders and apprentices are playing a key role in building a new pavilion at Eastwood Park.

The work is carried out by the council, which owns and maintains the park in Hasland using the council's in-house team of builders and apprentices.

The project has received £150,000 in funding from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund with £201,000 in funding from the council.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Crematorium Hosts SANDS' Baby Memorial Events

Wednesday 8th October 2014 Chesterfield and District Crematorium will be hosting events for parents and families who have lost babies.

The annual baby memorial service takes place this Sunday, 12th October, at 2pm.

The non-religious service will remember all babies who have died before, during or after birth and will feature live music, poems and opportunities to light candles.

This will be followed by a balloon release in the Never Land memorial garden in the grounds of the crematorium. READ MORE...

New Chair Takes Up County Council's Chain Of Office

Tuesday 7th October 2014 Derbyshire County Council's new chair has taken up the chain of office.

Councillor Steve Freeborn, who represents the county council's Ripley East and Codnor division, was appointed after the former Chair Councillor Dave Wilcox stood down from the position due to ill health.

A former county council employee, Councillor Freeborn moved to Derbyshire 28 years ago and worked in the organisation's personal development and training section. He went on to work for Derbyshire Police, then later ran his... READ MORE...

Advice For Residents As Local Councils Prepare To Strike

Tuesday 7th October 2014 Bin collections, street cleaning and leisure activities are just some of the Bolsover District Council services that will be disrupted on Tuesday 14th October 2014, as public service workers nationally take part in a one day strike.

The strike will also see services such as housing repairs, Contact Centres and environmental health functions suspended for the day as local government officers stay at home.

Bolsover District Council has confirmed that all buildings and... READ MORE...

Work Begins On Improving Old Whittington Junction

Tuesday 7th October 2014 Work to improve a junction with a history of collisions began yesterday morning, Monday 6th October.

The junction of the B6052 and B6057 at Station Road, Old Whittington has a history of accidents stretching back many years. 

The side road is to be re-aligned to move it further away from the busy Whittington Moor roundabout to make it safer.

The work should last for 13 weeks. A partial road (one way) closure... READ MORE...

Former Chesterfield Mayor Joins UKIP

Monday 6th October 2014 Last years Mayor of Chesterfield has joined UKIP to become their first councillor on Chesterfield Borough Council.

Cllr Paul Christopher Stone, who represented Barrow Hill and New Whittington and has been a councillor for the last 13 years, told us, "Like most people today, I am very unhappy with main stream politics. All three main parties no longer represent the principles on which I was elected.

"Nationally, UKIP, Independents and the Greens are working together on the Local Government Association. Locally I have built up a good..." READ MORE...

Eckington School's Boat Naming Ceremony Takes Place

Tuesday 30th September 2014 Mr Patrick Cummings, Headteacher at Eckington School, officially named the School boat on Sunday, 28th September - and it has been called 'Madeline'.

This is in memory of Madeline Siddall, a student at the school who died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of 15.

The simple ceremony, held at Hollingwood Hub, was attended by members of Madeline's family, staff and students from the school and members of the Chesterfield Canal Trust. READ MORE...

Natascha Engel MP Visits IKO Factory In Clay Cross

Tuesday 30th September 2014 North-East Derbyshire MP, Natascha Engel visited the IKO factory facility on Coney Green Road with a view to learning more about the roofing and waterproofing systems manufactured there.

She met with UK Manufacturing Manager, Andrew Salmon, and others to learn about: Product ranges, manufacturing operations and specialist advice & support; Economic outlook for main markets and sales & trading forecasts; Supply chain route-to-market: specifier-manufacturer-merchant-installer; Educating and training trade customers about new products & applications and Environmental aspects of the factory with its zero carbon policy. READ MORE...

Pomegranate Theatre - Art House Screenings Reviewed

Monday 29th September 2014 Chesterfield's Pomegranate Theatre has marked the completion of their £750,000 renovation with a packed weekend of exclusive screenings.

The three-month project, which furnished the spacious auditorium with a new projector, projection screen and advanced sound equipment, has been far from disappointing. Since the complete overhaul, acoustics and demeanour have been astonishing.

Lighting has also seen technical advancements and the new... READ MORE...

Scheme To Help First Time Buyers Is Extended

Thursday 25th September 2014 A scheme to get house buyers in Chesterfield on the first step of the property ladder is being extended so applicants can buy homes costing up to £150,000.

The Local Authority Mortgage Scheme (LAMS), called Local Lend a Hand, is available to first time buyers who can afford mortgage repayments and have a 5% deposit.

It enables them to get a 95% mortgage from Lloyds Bank on a similar interest rate to a 75% one. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Firm Shows Mettle With Markham Vale Move

Tuesday 23rd September 2014 A Chesterfield-based metal distributor which ships stock around the world, is marking its 30th anniversary by relocating to Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site to benefit from better transport links.

Established in 1984, Gould Alloys is expected to move from its current base on Carwood Industrial Park and be up-and-running at new purpose-built premises located at Markham Vale just off Junction 29A of the M1 by Easter next year.

The site will provide direct access to the motorway for the firm... READ MORE...

'Boycie' Officially Opens Redeveloped Chesterfield Theatres

Monday 22nd September 2014 Actor John Challis - who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses - has officially re-opened two Chesterfield theatres following a £700,000 refurbishment.

The actor, who began his career by performing regularly in Chesterfield, unveiled improvements to the Pomegranate Theatre and the Winding Wheel on Friday 19th September.

The work was possible due to a £495,000 investment from Arts Council England's National Lottery-funded capital programme, and... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Work Begins On New Queen's Park Sports Centre

Saturday 13th September 2014 A sod cutting ceremony has been held to mark the start of work on Chesterfield Borough Council's £9.3 million project to replace the Queen's Park Sports Centre.

The new centre is being built on land at the Queen's Park Annexe and is due to open in early 2016. The current Queen's Park Sports Centre on Boythorpe Road will remain open until the new centre is complete.

The centre is being paid for by £4.8 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2 million from Sport England's Strategic Facilities Fund... READ MORE...

New Royal Baby On The Way!

Monday 8th September 2014 It's been announced this morning that HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second baby.

A statement from Clarence House this morning read, "Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child.

"The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news. As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (severe morning sickness). Her Royal Highness will no longer..." READ MORE...

Chesterfield MP Takes On The Ice Bucket Challenge

Thursday 4th September 2014 It's Chilly in Chesterfield! Toby Perkins MP takes the Ice-Bucket Challenge to Raise Money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield and Shadow Minister for Small Business, has undertaken the 'Ice-Bucket Challenge' in aid of motor neurone disease. Toby was doused with icy water by his wife Suzie and two children, Chloe and Lewis, outside his constituency office.

A very cold Toby said afterwards, "Thank you to Peak FM..." READ MORE...

Tony Benn: Will & Testament - The Town Hall Screening Tour

Wednesday 3rd September 2014 Will and Testament is a moving and informative tribute to Tony Benn - political firebrand, prolific diarist, writer, charismatic anti-war campaigner, husband and father.

Tony participated extensively in the making of the film, which was completed prior to his death in March 2014. This unique autobiographical film will be released at cinemas from 3rd October 2014.

Prior to the main cinema release, distributor Praslin Pictures is hosting a series of very special event screenings at Town Hall venues... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Further Development In The Pipeline For Markham Vale

Friday 22nd August 2014 A further development could be on the cards for Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site, now a planning application has been submitted for a new 100,000 sqft warehouse and office building.

If the state-of-the-art development at Markham Vale gets the go-ahead, building work on the site next to the roundabout on Markham Lane could start in the autumn - bringing more construction jobs to the area.

Outline planning permission has already been granted for... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Leisure Centre Gets A £2 Million Funding Boost

Thursday 21st August 2014 Following on from Wednesday's news of the new Queen's Park Sports Centre Plans being approved, today sees news that Chesterfield residents will benefit from the enhanced new Sports Centre, to be built on Queen's Park Annexe, as Chesterfield Borough Council receives £2 million of funding from Sport England.

The investment from Sport England's Strategic Facilities fund will allow previously approved plans for the new centre to be expanded to provide additional activity space, including: Increasing the main swimming pool from six to eight lanes; Increasing the size of the learner pool; Increasing the number of ... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Holywell Medical Updates Patients On Development Plans

Wednesday 20th August 2014 Around 40 patients with Holywell Medical Group (HMG) in the Staveley and Chesterfield areas, attended a meeting on Thursday, August 14th, to hear more about the development plans underway to improve access to the practice's health services.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Greg Place, chair of the Nottinghamshire Local Medical Committee (LMC), and attended by staff from HMG, the group's Patient Participation Group, Derbyshire LMC and NHS England.

Holywell Medical Group Project Manager Pat Colclough... READ MORE...

Plans For Extended Queen's Park Sports Centre Approved

Wednesday 20th August 2014
Councillors have approved plans for a new, extended, Queen's Park Sports Centre to be built.

At their meeting yesterday, Tuesday 19th August, members of Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee approved plans for the new centre, which will be built on the site of Queen's Park Annexe, subject to planning conditions.

The council has applied to Sport England for a grant of more than £1 million to extend the plans for the new sports centre. READ MORE...

Traffic Delays Expected As Work Starts On A61 Cycle Lane

Tuesday 19th August 2014 It's been announced that work to build a new cycle lane in Chesterfield will start next Tuesday, 26th August, as part of plans to link different parts of the town together for cyclists.

Derbyshire County Council says a 720-metre cycle lane alongside the A61 northbound between Infirmary Road and Hazlehurst Lane will be created.

The path is being installed as part of the Chesterfield Cycle network which is a long-term project aimed at linking shopping areas, hospitals, schools, the train and bus station, Market Square and main residential areas in the town. READ MORE...

Markham Vale Regeneration Expands After Bridge Removal

Thursday 14th August 2014
One of the country's largest cranes was in Derbyshire on Tuesday to remove a bridge deck as part of plans to expand Derbyshire County Council's flagship Markham Vale regeneration site.

The 'Bailey' design bridge over Erin Road - an old colliery haul road used by colliery vehicles travelling to and from the former Seymour Colliery - was successfully removed on Tuesday 12th August by Mabey Bridge Ltd working in close partnership with officers of Derbyshire County Council and used a huge 350 tonne weight limit crane to lift the bridge off its abutments before dismantling it. READ MORE...

Traffic Restrictions At Hornsbridge Lifted Ahead Of Schedule

Tuesday 12th August 2014 Traffic restrictions at Hornsbridge Island in Chesterfield have been lifted four weeks earlier than anticipated.

Chesterfield Borough Council asked the contractor, NT Killingley, to carry out the work to a revised schedule which has allowed the restrictions to be lifted earlier than planned.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council's leader and executive member for regeneration, said: "I'd like to thank NT Killingley for working extra hours and working at the weekends to allow the work... " READ MORE...

Council's Pledge To Solve Chesterfield's Flooding Issues

Saturday 9th August 2014 With perfect timing after yesterday's chaos, news that this week, Yorkshire Water and Chesterfield Borough Council have pledged to work together to tackle flooding in the town, including the long running issues at Horns Bridge roundabout.

The pledge came following a meeting where council leader, Councillor John Burrows and Yorkshire Water's director of customer service and networks Dr Helen Phillips, met to discuss the company's work in the area.

Cllr Burrows and Dr Phillips were joined by Councillor... READ MORE...

Council Reassesses Its Options Over Northern Gateway

Saturday 9th August 2014 Plans for the Northern Gateway scheme are being reassessed by Chesterfield Borough Council to respond to the changing High Street retail sector.

The Northern Gateway scheme aims to create a high quality shopping, restaurant and leisure development on land surrounding the 'Donut' roundabout site.

Chesterfield has one of the best town centre shop occupancy rates in the country - with additions in the last few years including Debenhams, Next, Asda Home, T K Maxx and Boyes. READ MORE...

Flooding And Road Collapses Following Heavy Downpours

Friday 8th August 2014 Chesterfield was once again left struggling with flooding at major junctions into the town tonight following heavy rain in the early evening.

Areas heavily affected have been Hornsbridge Island, Sainsbury's supermarket at Lockoford Lane needed to close the store due to flooding risk and even the Railway Station was affected.

There has also been a road collapse on Princess Street in Brimington - Service 90 buses are currently operating on a diversion via Corporation St... READ MORE...

County Council Task Force To Tackle Youth Unemployment

Wednesday 6th August 2014 Plans to tackle youth unemployment are being drawn up by Derbyshire County Council to get more young people into work, further education or training.

While the number of 16-17-year-olds without a job, in education or training fell slightly this year, figures from May show around a third (2,675) of Derbyshire's unemployed are aged 18-24 - which is higher than the national average.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: "We want to build a strong..." READ MORE...

Everyone Pitches In To Make 'Festival Of Football' A Success

Wednesday 6th August 2014 More than 300 people turned out to a festival of football at Holmebrook Valley Park last weekend.

The free event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, was held to allow residents to try out the new football pitches at the park.

Coaches from Chesterfield FC and the FA were on hand to offer coaching to youngsters.

There are four adult and three mini pitches at the site, all... READ MORE...

New Markham Development Brings Further Jobs Boost

Tuesday 5th August 2014 A new family pub and restaurant development is to open on Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site bringing 40 jobs to the area.

Marston's Inns and Taverns, which provides pubs throughout the UK, has selected Markham Vale off M1 junction 29A near Chesterfield, to build its new pub restaurant which will be called The Little Castle.

The premises, which will have 180 covers, are currently being built and are expected to be complete by December. READ MORE...

Last Chance For Mobile Library & Street Light Consultations

Monday 4th August 2014
Derbyshire residents are being urged to make sure they have their say on possible changes to the way street lights across Derbyshire are maintained, before the consultation closes on Friday 8th August along with the consultation on Mobile Library changes on Saturday 9th August.

The possible changes that residents are being asked for their views on are: Only replacing failed light bulbs in priority locations; Which locations should be priority locations; Investing in LED light bulbs and finally Dimming LED light bulbs in some locations at night... READ MORE...

Council To Open New Information And Booking Hub

Thursday 31st July 2014 A combined information and theatres booking hub for residents and visitors is to be launched at Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre, next to the Crooked Spire Church.

This will enable staff to provide a dedicated service selling tickets for Chesterfield Borough Council's Theatres, taking venue hire bookings, and providing information for visitors and local people.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: "We currently..." READ MORE...

Good News For Parents With School Meal Price Freeze

Wednesday 30th July 2014 Meal prices in Derbyshire schools look set to be frozen for the coming academic year - despite rising costs.

Derbyshire County Council is recommending schools keep meal prices at 2012/13 prices when pupils return for the new academic year in September 2014.

It means the price for primary school meals should stay at £1.95, with secondary school meals remaining at £2.30.

The prices are lower than in many neighbouring authorities... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Steps Back In Time To Sample Medieval Life

Wednesday 30th July 2014 Queen Elizabeth was in Chesterfield yesterday - though sadly for royal watchers, it was Queen Elizabeth I rather than our current monarch!

Her Majesty was, like thousands of visitors, taking in the annual Medieval Market - a fun family day which also enables charities to promote their activities and spread their message.

The event with a medieval theme is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and many stallholders on the open-air market were in... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Travel Training Helps Derbyshire Youngsters

Wednesday 30th July 2014 A successful travel scheme which helps Derbyshire youngsters with special educational needs get out and about in their communities could be continued.

Derbyshire County Council's independent travel training helps young people with reduced mobility, learning difficulties or low confidence be able to use public transport safely.

Classroom or practical training has been given to more than 135 children to help them get to school, employment and socialise since the training... READ MORE...

Holmebrook Park Hosts 'Festival Of Football'

Tuesday 29th July 2014 - Other Sports proudly sponsored by the CASA Hotel
Chesterfield football fans can put their best foot forward at a festival of football to celebrate the reopening of pitches at Holmebrook Valley Park.

The event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, takes place on Sunday 3rd August from 10am to 2pm and allows residents to try out the improved football pitches at the park. The event is free and there is no need to book.

Coaches from Chesterfield Football Club, the Football Association and local coaches will be offering training for youngsters. READ MORE...

'We Will Remember Them'

Monday 28th July 2014 Chesterfield residents can take part in a series of events at Chesterfield Museums to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

The events, at the Chesterfield Borough Council operated venues, will explore different aspects of life during the First World War through the eyes of people who were there.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: "The First World War marked a turning point in our history, which has now passed from living memory." READ MORE...

Tapton Lock - "One Of The Country's Finest Green Spaces"

Monday 28th July 2014 Tapton Lock, a quarter mile stretch of the Chesterfield Canal, has been named one of the country's finest green spaces, after receiving a prestigious Green Flag award.

The national award, handed out by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country - and the site, run by Derbyshire County Council, stood out after impressing the judges as a welcoming space and a peaceful haven.

A record-breaking 1,476 parks and green spaces have received... READ MORE...

Police In Chesterfield Granted Additional Powers

Friday 25th July 2014 Police in Chesterfield have been granted additional enforcement powers to help them target the anti-social behaviour of a small minority of people in Chesterfield town centre.

The decision to introduce the Dispersal Order has been taken by Derbyshire police and Chesterfield Borough Council, in consultation with other partner agencies, to respond to community concerns.

Under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, uniformed police officers and PCSOs have the power to ask groups of two or more... READ MORE...

Update On Work At Hornsbridge Island

Friday 25th July 2014 Traffic control measures at Hornsbridge Island will be removed earlier than planned after a review into the project.

Chesterfield Borough Council asked the contractors, NT Killingley, and Derbyshire County Council, which is responsible for roads in the county, to urgently carry out the review to reduce the delays for drivers approaching the island during busy periods.

The traffic control measures are expected to be removed soon after the August Bank Holiday, provided the good weather continues. READ MORE...

Still Time To Have Your Say On Local Mobile Library Services

Thursday 24th July 2014 Residents still have three weeks to give their views on the future of Derbyshire County Council's mobile library service in a consultation to help the authority deal with budget cuts.

The council has to cut £157 million over the next four years and is looking at making changes to services across the council.

Its mobile fleet currently consists of two large maximum capacity vehicles (MCVs) and eight smaller standard mobile libraries. It costs the authority £720,000 a year to run the service which currently employs 26 people - equivalent... READ MORE...

Improvement Work To Take Place At Thistle Park

Wednesday 23rd July 2014 Children in Brimington are set to benefit from new play equipment at their local park thanks to Chesterfield Borough Council.

Thistle Park on Station Road, Brimington, will have new play equipment installed and work carried out to improve drainage on the site.

The play area and the car park will be closed for two weeks from Monday 28th July while the work takes place to improve facilities. Pedestrian access will be available for users of the park while the work is carried out and the new play area and car park are due to reopen on Monday 11th August. READ MORE...

Could Your Business Benefit To The Tune Of £75,000?

Monday 21st July 2014 Small businesses in Derbyshire are being helped to develop and grow with grants of up to £75,000 - and there's still time for local firms to bid for cash.

Derbyshire Economic Partnership - backed by Derbyshire County Council - secured £3m for small businesses from the Government's Regional Growth Fund.

Businesses around the county are already benefitting with around £0.5 million already awarded to 25 businesses through the Global Derbyshire Small Business Support Programme. READ MORE...

'Chesterfield To Be A Success' Says Council Chief Huw Bowen

Wednesday 16th July 2014 After an ongoing ten and a half years as part of the Chesterfield Borough Council, Huw Bowen, the current Chief Executive spoke to The Chesterfield Post about his roles as part of the council and ongoing issues within The Borough.

To begin with, having moved on from the High Peak Borough Council, Huw was the director placed to look after the front line services. He was then lucky enough to become Deputy Chief Executive under the guidance of David Shaw and when he retired in 2008, Huw was awarded the pole position and has retained the role ever since. READ MORE...

Cabinet Decides On Site For New Queen's Park Sports Centre

Tuesday 15th July 2014 Plans for the replacement Queen's Park Sports Centre have moved a step closer.

At their meeting today (Tuesday, 15th July) Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet decided the centre can be built on the site of Queen's Park Annexe, subject to planning permission. It means 19,050 square metres of land at the Annexe site can be used for the new sports centre rather than as open land following a public consultation on the plans.

This is less than half of the land at the site. The other area... READ MORE...

Councillors Campaign For Safer Car Exit At Whittington Store

Tuesday 15th July 2014 Councillors David and Paul Stone, Independent councillors representing Barrow Hill and New Whittington on Chesterfield Borough Council, have been campaigning on behalf of local residents for a clearer and improved view of passing vehicles when cars are exiting the Tescos Store on the High Street at Whittington.

Cllr Paul Stone said, "Because we already have a number of excellent local shops in New Whittington within walking distances for many residents, the Tescos store relies more on passing vehicle trade. When exiting the store, the only way to see the traffic from the right is to pull into the road." READ MORE...

Disruption To Council Services During Strike Action

Wednesday 9th July 2014 There is expected to be widespread disruption to services across the area on Thursday, July 10th, as public sector workers strike over pay.

Government offices and schools may be affected as members of three unions - UNISON, GMB and UNITE - take part in a national day of action.

After a 1% pay rise was offered to government and school staff, UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: "We have a clear majority for strike action so a one day strike will go ahead on 10th July. We expect to be..." READ MORE...

Former Mayor Thanks Chesterfield For Its Support

Tuesday 8th July 2014 Former Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Paul Christopher Stone, has today announced the total made for his nominated charities during his mayoral year (2013/14).

Just over nine thousand pounds was raised via various charity events and Cllr Stone says that he wishes to place on record his thanks for everyone who helped or donated.

The monies were divided as follows: Pathways of Chesterfield, a Special collection, money raised was £105, Food Banks/Soup Kitchen... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Turns Out To Welcome Home The Lancers

Thursday 3rd July 2014 "It's a warming feeling knowing that you're doing something that everyone is so proud of. It's a special feeling to know that I am part of an organisation that keeps this country and other countries safe!" - Trooper Daniel O'Keefe from Whitwell, speaking to The Chesterfield Post just before he, alongside his comrades from the 9/12th Lancers, marched through Chesterfield this morning as part of their homecoming parade after returning from an eight month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The Battalion were awarded The Freedom of The Borough in 2012 and regularly return to the town, cementing the proud links that... READ MORE, PICS & AUDIO...

Rectory Rd Surgery To Remain Part Of Holywell Medical Group

Thursday 3rd July 2014 NHS England (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) has said today that it has written to patients registered with Holywell Medical Group regarding the primary care services provided by the practice.

In the letter, Deputy Head of Commissioning Jonathan Rycroft says: "As you may be aware, since last autumn, NHS England (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) and other NHS organisations have been working with Holywell Medical Group to address issues that have affected the services you receive.

"An independent review by Collingham Healthcare Education..." READ MORE...

New Footbridge Opened At Chesterfield Canal Festival

Tuesday 1st July 2014
A new footbridge built over Chesterfield Canal in Staveley has been officially opened.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, opened Constitution Hill bridge on the first day of the Chesterfield Canal Festival on Saturday.

The bridge links the footpath from Staveley High Street to the Trans Pennine Trail and the canal towpath on the other side. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Project Serves Former Armed Forces Personnel

Sunday 29th June 2014 For the past six months, The Armed Forces Hub has taken place at the Proact Stadium - a project aimed at supporting veterans of all ages who are looking to make the transition back into civilian life.

The scheme aims to provide all of the services that veterans may need coming away from the Armed Forces under one roof, signposting veterans towards vital information.

The official opening of the event took place on Friday 27th June, with dignitaries such as the Mayor of Chesterfield, Alexis Diouf, The Mayoress Vickie-Anne Diouf, as well as the MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins and... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield's Pomegranate Theatre Wins TripAdvisor Award

Saturday 28th June 2014 Chesterfield's Pomegranate Theatre has won a prestigious award from the online review site, TripAdvisor.

The theatre, owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council, was praised for its outstanding feedback from customers on the website.

More than 80 per cent of theatre-goers who have posted reviews on the site have given the theatre the top 'excellent rating', earning the 2014 Certificate of Excellence award. Feedback given includes praise for the warmth of the welcome, the comfortable seating and the variety of shows on offer. READ MORE...

Borough Council Refuses New Licence For Bar Centro

Friday 27th June 2014 Chesterfield Borough Council's licensing committee has refused a licence for a bar previously closed because of drug dealing.

The committee carefully considered the application for a new premises licence for Bar Centro on Holywell Street before reaching their decision.

Objections to the application were made by Derbyshire Police, the council's environmental health and licensing teams and by local residents.

The council adopted a special licensing policy in 2012 in... READ MORE...

Plans Submitted For Queen's Park Sports Centre Replacement

Thursday 26th June 2014 New plans have been submitted for the replacement Queen's Park Sports Centre.

Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee previously approved plans for the replacement centre on the site of Queen's Park Annexe.

The council is currently waiting for the outcome of a bid to Sport England for a grant of more than £1 million to extend the plans for the new centre.

Now, the council has submitted a new planning application... READ MORE...

New Footbridge To Open At Chesterfield Canal Festival

Monday 23rd June 2014
A new footbridge which has been built in Staveley over Chesterfield Canal will be officially opened on Saturday 28th June.

Derbyshire County Council has managed the project to build Constitution Hill bridge and contributed around £45,000.

Chesterfield Canal Trust also provided £6,000 and volunteers who helped to install it, with Chesterfield Borough Council adding £3,000 and the North East Derbyshire Ramblers £500. READ MORE...

Trading Standards Issue An E-Cig Safety Alert

Wednesday 18th June 2014 Residents in Derbyshire are being warned to be extra vigilant when charging electronic cigarettes following incidents where the devices have exploded in people's homes.

Derbyshire County Council's trading standards team have issued the warning after several reports of electronic cigarette batteries overheating or exploding while being charged.

In one incident last October, a 68-year-old woman living in a private care home in Hasland, Chesterfield, died following a fire in her room... READ MORE...

Flag Raising Parade In Chesterfield Is Cancelled

Wednesday 18th June 2014 A parade planned in Chesterfield to mark Armed Forces Day on 23 June has been cancelled.

Armed Forces Day aims to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces, and to provide an opportunity for the nation to show its support.

The Chesterfield Combined Ex Service Association was working with Chesterfield Borough Council to hold a parade of ex service veterans and local cadets, which would culminate in the Armed Forces Flag being raised at... READ MORE...

Work Set To Begin At Hornsbridge Island

Wednesday 18th June 2014
Work is set to begin on transforming a key gateway into Chesterfield town centre after planning permission has been granted.

Chesterfield Borough Council granted permission for an eight metre high sculpture by local artist Melanie Jackson.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council's Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "It's good that work is about to start on Hornsbridge island." READ MORE...

Chesterfield MP Wades In On School Flood Crisis

Monday 16th June 2014 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has visited Hady Lane Primary School to assess the on-going problem of flooding on the path that leads to the school.

Toby said, "This is a longstanding issue that has been affecting parents and pupils for several years and they are quite rightly fed up with it. Something needs to be done now to ensure that there is a long-term solution to this problem.

"That’s why I have arranged this visit, which will allow the school, the County Council and decision makers to discuss what can be done..." READ MORE...

Former County Council Chief Exec's Pay Off To Be Published

Friday 13th June 2014 Derbyshire County Council's former chief executive Nick Hodgson received a £219,211 severance payment when he left the authority last year.

The figure will be published in the council's annual statement of accounts later today (13th June) in accordance with legal requirements. Previously it had been subject to a confidentiality clause which was agreed between Mr Hodgson and the county council at the time of his departure in June 2013.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council Leader... READ MORE...

Council Harnesses Power Of The Sun And Saves Money

Friday 13th June 2014 Bolsover District Council is doing its bit for the environment as they prepare to install photovoltaic cells (solar panels) onto the roof of its offices in Clowne and save over £34,000 of council taxpayers' money every year.

The 50 kilowatt system will convert light directly into electricity and will be used to provide lighting and power other appliances in the offices.

It is estimated they will save approximately 482 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over their 20 year lifespan which equates to effectively taking... READ MORE...

County Council's Senior Managers' Review To Save £2m

Thursday 12th June 2014 More senior managers' jobs are to go at Derbyshire County Council as part of the organisation's drive to cut £157 million from its budget by 2018.

At a meeting last week, Cabinet agreed to remove a further 27 full time equivalent senior management posts, saving £2.24 million over the next three years.

Council Leader Councillor Anne Western said: "No one likes cutting jobs but we need to make cuts due to reductions in Government grants, inflation and greater demands on areas of the budget for many services. READ MORE...

Residents Encouraged To Take Part In 'Legal High' Survey

Thursday 12th June 2014
A national survey that aims to gather information about the use of 'legal highs' is being supported by Derbyshire County Council.

The Legal High National Online Survey is the UK's first independent, national, confidential online survey specifically about residents' use and views of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) - also known as 'legal highs'.

The survey - which is open only to residents aged 18 and over - aims to gather information about which legal highs are being used in... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Grassmoor Housing Development Receives Outline Approval

Thursday 12th June 2014 North East Derbyshire District Council has granted outline planning permission for a maximum of 165 dwellings at Windwhistle Farm in Grassmoor.

The 6.75 hectare site is located on open land close to the junction of Birkin Lane and North Wingfield Road, between the existing housing and the Five Pits Trail.

As part of the development, the developer, Akroyd and Abbott Homes, have agreed to pay a commuted sum of over £574k to help fund a public open space, primary education places, public art, links to the adjoining trail network... READ MORE...

Full Marks Maternity Unit All Set For A Bright Future

Thursday 12th June 2014
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins visited the Chesterfield Birth Centre to congratulate staff on an unprecedented 50 out of 50 score on a national 'safety check' assessment, which confirmed the unit's place as one of the safest in the region, and to see the brand new computer system which is helping the ward stride ever onwards in terms of efficiency and high standards.

Toby said "To score full marks on this assessment is nearly unheard of and fantastic news. It's clear the staff have been working incredibly hard to make this happen, and the score reflects the excellent standards of care that..." READ MORE...

NE Derbyshire District Council Approves Relocation Plans

Tuesday 10th June 2014 North East Derbyshire District Council has approved plans to move their main administrative headquarters from Saltergate to Mill Lane, Wingerworth in early 2015.

The decision was made at a recent Council meeting and an indicative programme and timescales for the relocation are now being drawn up. It is anticipated that the move will be done on a phased basis over a period of three months (January to March 2015) to minimise the disruption to the public and the Council's services.

The site can adequately accommodate all council services, and... READ MORE...

New Figures Reveal Urgency Of Chesterfield's Housing Crisis

Thursday 5th June 2014
New figures, released to local MP Toby Perkins by the National House Building Council (NHBC), reveal that new house building in Chesterfield has fallen to just one third of the national average.

This far behind the figures needed to keep up with projected demand and marks the 5th quarter of decline in a row.

NHBC is the official supplier of housing statistics to DCLG - and the only source of data which breaks down housing numbers to a constituency level. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Borough Council Praised By Peers

Thursday 5th June 2014 An independent assessment has praised Chesterfield Borough Council for the huge commitment to the borough by both councillors and employees.

The council's cabinet yesterday, Wednesday 4th June, received an official report of the assessment carried out last November by the Local Government Association's peer challenge team.

The team was made up of senior officers and councillors from other councils as well as the Local Government Authority's Peer Challenge Manager. READ MORE...

Teddy Bears Picnic For Opening Of Baby Memorial Garden

Tuesday 3rd June 2014
Residents are invited to come along and take part in a teddy bear's picnic to celebrate the opening of a baby memorial garden.

The event takes place this Sunday, 8th June, at Boythorpe Cemetery, owned and maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The council's bereavement services staff, based at Chesterfield and District Crematorium, have joined with members of Chesterfield Sands, the stillbirth and neo-natal death charity, in raising money to fund the garden. READ MORE...

County Council's Children In Care To Plan Bright Futures

Tuesday 3rd June 2014 Young people will be able to consider their future at a Derbyshire County Council careers event hosted specifically for children in care and care leavers.

The fifth annual 'It's Your Future' open evening will gather together employers, training providers and further education organisations to offer information to youngsters in - or leaving - the county council's care.

Held at County Hall, Matlock, on Tuesday 10th June, the invite-only event will include information stands and presentations about foundation... READ MORE...

New Chesterfield Church Unveils Works Of Art

Tuesday 3rd June 2014 The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, and several councillors from the planning committee, were guests of honour as Chesterfield's newest church was officially opened on Saturday.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has just been built at Stonegravels, on the site of the former bus offices, and houses a growing congregation - along with missionaries who travel from around the world to serve in the town.

The Mayor and Mayoress, and residents of the town who had... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Museum Celebrates Chesterfield Grammar School

Monday 2nd June 2014 Generations of Chesterfield Grammar School pupils will be able to relive their school days with a new exhibition at Chesterfield Museum.

The Chesterfield Grammar School exhibition opens at the Chesterfield Borough Council attraction on Saturday 7th June and runs until Saturday 6th September.

The exhibition, staged with the help of members from the Old Cestrefeldian Society, will chart the history of the school and reflect school life during the past century.

On display will be a cap from each school house, trophies and... READ MORE...

Court Upholds Council's Decision On Bar Centro

Thursday 29th May 2014 A town centre bar has been refused permission to re-open, after magistrates upheld the decision by Chesterfield Borough Council's licensing committee to revoke its licence.

Yesterday (Wednesday, 28th May), Chesterfield Magistrates dismissed the appeal by Nicholas Carter, owner of Bar Centro on Holywell Street, against the decision of the licensing committee on 13th January this year, to remove his licence.

This came after a Derbyshire Police operation found that drug dealing had taken place in the bar openly, in view of staff and customers. Carter was... READ MORE...

Outgoing NEDDC Chair - 8,000 Reasons Charity Will Be Happy

Wednesday 28th May 2014 North East Derbyshire District Council's outgoing Chairman, Councillor Ken Savidge and generous residents from across the area, have helped raise thousands of pounds through an annual charity appeal.

A total of £8,405 - plus an extra £300 from the sale of merchandise - has been raised for the Children's Hospital Charity through the Council Chair's Appeal - led by Councillor Savidge and his consort and wife Jo.

Cllr Savidge, presented the cheque to Theo - the Children's Hospital Charity mascot, and Gemma Bower from the Children's Hospital... READ MORE...

"Still Punching Above It's Weight!" Cllr Burrows On Chesterfield

Tuesday 27th May 2014 With experts saying that consumer confidence is slowly returning to the High Street - and business and the housing market beginning to grow again - The Chesterfield Post caught up with Council leader Cllr John Burrows, who has long championed the town as a forward thinking and evolving place, and one which will continue to try to attract business, footfall and wealth into the town for the benefit of it's residents and visitors.

In a wide ranging interview, Cllr Burrows brought us up to speed on developments which have been mooted in the town, admitting that the financial climate and unforeseen issues such as the Co-op closure had significantly... READ MORE...

Work Starts On New £5m Derbyshire Primary School

Friday 23rd May 2014 A Derbyshire primary school is to get a brand new building, thanks to a £5million investment by the county council.

Construction work to replace North Wingfield Primary School got underway this week with the help of pupils and teachers from the old school on Blacks Lane.

They were joined for the official start of construction by Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Kevin Gillott, who said: "The current school dates from before 1919 and used to be separate infant and junior schools." READ MORE...

Plans For New Queen's Park Sports Centre Approved

Wednesday 21st May 2014 Councillors have approved plans for the replacement Queen's Park Sports Centre.

At their meeting on Monday 19th May, members of Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee approved the plans for the new centre to be built on the site of Queen's Park Annexe, subject to planning conditions.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: "Now the plans have been approved, the new Queen's Park Sports Centre has moved a significant..." READ MORE...

Duke Of Devonshire Officially Opens Chesterfield's Market Hall

Thursday 15th May 2014 The Duke of Devonshire was in Chesterfield this afternoon - to look around, and officially open, the revamped Market Hall, first built in 1857 and a key part of the historic town centre landscape.

A £4.3 million refurbishment was completed in October 2013 and saw the main retail hall opened up and transformed by the installation of a glazed atrium, above first floor level, providing natural light.

The 1970s extension on New Square was redesigned to be more in keeping with the original Market Hall and, In addition to providing a modern and... READ MORE...

Welcoming Chesterfield's New Mayor And Mayoress

Wednesday 14th May 2014 Councillor Alexis Diouf becomes Chesterfield's 374th mayor at a ceremony at the Town Hall, Rose Hill today, Wednesday, 14th May.

Councillor Diouf has lived in Chesterfield since 1980, he was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa and was elected as Liberal Democrat councillor for Walton ward in 2003.

Born in 1955, he recently retired as social services manager in Derbyshire County Council's adult social services department. He has also worked as a social worker at Walton Hospital, for the United Nations in Mali... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Court Sentences Repair Man To 160 Hours Unpaid Work

Friday 9th May 2014 A domestic appliance repair man from Chesterfield has been ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work and compensate victims, after a successful prosecution by Derbyshire County Council's trading standards team.

Dominic Spooner, 42, of May Avenue, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, pleaded guilty to seven charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 at a hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court in April, and he was sentenced at Derby Crown Court today, Friday 9th May.

The offences committed by Spooner, who traded as D Spooner... READ MORE...

New Environmentally Friendly Disposal Of Your Food Waste

Friday 9th May 2014 An environmentally friendly way to dispose of food waste is being introduced for residents in the Bolsover District, Chesterfield Borough and North East Derbyshire District Council areas.

The changes have been introduced to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill, with the waste instead being turned into compost.

Residents who have green bins will receive a leaflet explaining the changes and telling them when the food waste will start being collected. It will mean that people living in these areas can put the following things in their green bins... READ MORE...

Plans Made For Year In Derbyshire Celebrations

Thursday 8th May 2014 A campaign to attract more visitors to the county and to support the local economy has been launched by Derbyshire County Council.

'Made in Derbyshire' will take place throughout 2015. The campaign will promote the Derbyshire economy locally and nationally through culture, heritage and sporting events, products and festivals. It will bring together existing events and activities and promote them to wider audiences. A particular focus will be highlighting events and products unique to the county.

Derbyshire County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Health... READ MORE...

Children's Centre Review Agreed By County Council

Wednesday 7th May 2014
Derbyshire residents will be asked how they think children's centre services should be delivered in a review to begin this month.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet yesterday (Tuesday, 6th May), agreed to carry out the review, to look at the best possible ways of effectively delivering essential services for children and families while saving £1.1m.

The authority is trying to save £157m by 2018 to meet Coalition Government spending targets. READ MORE...

A Mission To Help The Community For New Staveley Centre

Tuesday 6th May 2014 A new Community Centre in Staveley was opened on Friday 11th April, by his worship the Mayor of Chesterfield, with the Open Day also attended by Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, Barry Dyke and Helen Elliot.

The Harmony Studio Community Centre, in conjunction with Staveley Harmony DECCA, is run by local Staveley people, who have themselves previously been in need of help from the community.

People such as Yvette Dislins, the founder of Staveley Harmony DECCA, who is physically disabled after suffering a stroke four years ago... READ MORE...

Pothole-Fixing 'Jetpatcher' Machines To Stay In County

Tuesday 6th May 2014 Two specialist 'Jetpatcher' machines are to stay in Derbyshire until mid-July to continue work to fix potholes across the county.

Derbyshire County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, Councillor Dean Collins said: "We're pleased with the work that the Jetpatchers are doing across the county and are able to extend their work for another 10 weeks.

"The extreme wet winter weather has taken its toll on our roads, but I can assure people that we are doing all we can to repair our roads as..." READ MORE...

Work To Begin On Baby Memorial Garden

Friday 2nd May 2014 Work is set to begin on a memorial garden in Chesterfield for parents and relatives to remember a child they have lost.

The new garden will be located in Boythorpe Cemetery, which is owned and maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council. Staff from the council's bereavement services staff, based at Chesterfield and District Crematorium, have joined with members of Chesterfield Sands, the stillbirth and neo-natal death charity, in raising money to fund the garden.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council's... READ MORE...

Illegal Tobacco Worth £6,400 Seized In Raids

Friday 2nd May 2014 Illegal tobacco with a high street value of £6,400 has been seized in the latest raids carried out by Derbyshire County Council, to crack down on shops suspected of selling counterfeit goods.

The council's trading standards officers joined forces with Derbyshire police and Home Office immigration officers to carry out successful enforcement operations at a shop in Ilkeston and one in Swadlincote this week (Tuesday 29th April).

A total of 8,660 cigarettes and 164 pouches (8.2kg) of tobacco - with a high street value of approximately £6,400 - were recovered during the raids. READ MORE...

Local MP Continues To Lead The Fight Against HS2

Thursday 1st May 2014 The Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire, Natascha Engel, continues to campaign against the case for HS2 and demand that the Government gives more say to the people who will be directly affected by the project.

As well as presenting a No to HS2 petition, signed by hundreds of angry residents, to Parliament, Ms Engel also spoke in a recent debate on the HS2 Hybrid Bill.

Arguing that the business case for HS2 is flawed, Ms Engel said: "I am for improving the rail network, for better connections between cities... READ MORE...

Major Reforms Of Special Educational Needs On The Way

Wednesday 30th April 2014 Families whose children have special educational needs and disabilities, can have a say in how major reforms will affect them, as part of a consultation launched by Derbyshire County Council.

When the Children and Families Bill becomes law in September, it will change the way children with special educational needs and disabilities are assessed and supported.

The new law will: Introduce education, health and care (EHC) plans for children and young people with the most complex special educational needs... READ MORE...

Warning For Chesterfield Residents To Avoid Fly Tipping

Wednesday 30th April 2014 Chesterfield Borough Council is warning residents to make sure anyone they pay to dispose of their rubbish is licensed and does so legally.

With the season for spring cleaning firmly here, many people start tidying up their gardens and this leads to unregistered firms and individuals asking to take away the rubbish for a small fee. This is illegal and could see householders facing the courts.

Residents should check that anyone who offers to take waste away is legally authorised to do this. To check, ask to see their waste carriers'... READ MORE...

A 'Cracking' Easter Egg Hunt

Tuesday 29th April 2014 The Market Hall Easter Egg Hunt was a great success this year and got everyone involved in the detective work from ages 2 to 62!

Local businesses in the Market Hall, with the support of the council, got their heads together to arrange the hunt.

The businesses, led by Karen Rogers of StraightCurves, donated prizes and hid the little crocheted eggs in their shops. "As a town centre, we need to give people another reason to come into town and the Easter Egg Hunt is a great example of this!" says Sarah Risorto of Delicibo, Chesterfield. READ MORE...

Chesterfield's 'Clock That Time Forgot' Back In Working Order

Friday 26th April 2014 Time has stood still in the courtyard for weeks - but yesterday - Chesterfield's most iconic landmark received back its clock as repairs finished at the town's Crooked Spire Church.

The clock has been out of action at St Mary and All Saints' Church since January 2014.

Specialist contractor, Smith of Derby, carried out repairs to the clock mechanism, off-site on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council and the clock works will be put back in place this week. READ MORE, VIDEO & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Town Centre - The Future Needs To Start Now!

Thursday 24th April 2014 A retail 'guru' and author of a report which makes recommendations on the future of the UK's High Streets, was in Chesterfield yesterday, to meet local traders and take part in a discussion with local business owners about the challenges they face in the current economic conditions.

Bill Grimsey, a retailer with 45 years in the industry as CEO at Wickes, Focus DIY and Iceland, has recently written a book, 'Sold Out - Who Really Killed the High Street?' Last year he produced a review of the High Street which contained ideas for improving and retaining, the health of retail centres into the... READ MORE...

Borough Council Reminds Residents To Check For ID

Wednesday 23rd April 2014 Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents to always check for ID from staff who are carrying out work on behalf of the council.

This comes after reports of two men attempting to burgle residents by saying they are from the council.

Councillor Jim McManus, Chesterfield Borough Council's Executive Member for Housing said: "Council staff who are visiting the home of a tenant or resident will always carry ID with them. This will include their name, job..." READ MORE...

Work To Expand Markham Vale Due To Start

Tuesday 22nd April 2014 Work to expand Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site is due to start next month, after a visit to Markham Vale by Eric Pickles MP today, Tuesday 22nd April, confirmed Government cash is in the pipeline.

In January, the Government announced Markham Vale was to receive £14.2 million to turn the former Seymour Colliery site into prime economic land, with the potential to create more than 2,000 more jobs in the area, following a bid drawn-up by the County Council and submitted through the Sheffield City Region's Enterprise Zone. READ MORE...

Pubs 80 Hour Closure For Selling Alcohol To Underage Teens

Thursday 17th April 2014 A pub in Chesterfield is to close for 80 hours after they were caught selling alcohol to underage volunteers during a test purchase operation.

The Goldminers at Newbold sold booze to the teenagers for a second time in a three month period.

Derbyshire police and trading standards carried out the checks on Thursday, March 20th, with the help of teenage volunteers, in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. Several premises were visited and a total of three failed... READ MORE...

College Fights Against Apprenticeship Reforms

Wednesday 16th April 2014 A successful local Apprenticeships provider, Learning Unlimited, part of The Chesterfield College Group, is speaking out against proposed Government plans to reform how Apprenticeships are funded and delivered.

Late last year, following a review of Apprenticeships by entrepreneur Doug Richard, the Government released an implementation plan, giving details on how they were going to radically shake up Apprenticeships.

Major changes are being proposed to Apprenticeship funding... READ MORE...

Voluntary Organisations Move To The Town Hall

Wednesday 16th April 2014 Derbyshire residents can now access help and advice from three voluntary sector organisations under one roof.

Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre, Derbyshire Law Centre and the Trade Union Safety Team have moved in to new premises in the basement of the Town Hall, Rose Hill.They are based in the former Chesterfield Borough Council housing offices around the old housing services reception, with its new address, 1 Rose Hill East.

Each of the organisations are independent from the council and... READ MORE...

Decisions Made About County's Primary School Places

Wednesday 16th April 2014 Parents who have applied to Derbyshire County Council for a primary school place for their child will soon know the outcome.

The authority will make offers of places to 11,134 Derbyshire children today, Wednesday, 16th April.

Of those who applied by the closing date for infant places 93.1% will be offered their first choice, while 98.2% will get one of their top three preferences.

For junior school places almost 97.6% of parents will get their first... READ MORE...

Make Sure You Are Ready To Vote In The Euro Elections

Monday 14th April 2014 Chesterfield residents are reminded to make sure they are registered to vote in the elections to the European Parliament.

The vote takes place on Thursday 22nd May and Chesterfield Borough Council is urging voters to make sure they are registered to vote in time.

Residents who are 18 and over and live in the borough should be included on the electoral register, although they will need to re-register if they move to a new address.

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council's returning officer... READ MORE...

Concerns Aired About Local Medical Group At Public Meeting

Thursday 10th April 2014
"The NHS is a treasured institution - we all pay for it, and we all have a right to expect to be served by it. It is disgusting that anyone should have to go through what they have to be treated."

That was Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, speaking to a packed hall at Staveley's Springwell college tonight, as he, and a panel of health professionals, heard local residents voice their concerns about Holywell Medical Group - and in particular, concerns raised by residents of Inkersall and Staveley in respect of practices at Rectory Road and Crich Road, Inkersall. READ MORE & AUDIO...

Work To Develop The Next Stage Of Staveley Basin Underway

Thursday 10th April 2014 Staveley Basin has begun the next phase of its development with contractors beginning work to build wing walls to support its lock bridge.

Derbyshire County Council, which manages the project, has agreed to fund £89,000 towards the scheme with Chesterfield Canal Trust contributing £76,000 in funds and volunteer time.

Ace Developments from Chesterfield, has started an eight week contract to build the wing walls, which will support the unfinished lock bridge already... READ MORE...

Take A Stall At Chesterfield's Easter Table Top Market

Tuesday 8th April 2014
Stalls are available to rent at Chesterfield Borough Council's Easter Monday table top sale.

The event takes place on Monday 21st April, from 10am to 4pm at the town centre market place. Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: "The Easter Monday market is always very popular with residents and visitors to the town. This is a great opportunity for individuals and charities to get rid of their unwanted items and make some money." READ MORE...

Crackdown On Blue Badge Misuses Continues County-wide

Tuesday 8th April 2014
A crackdown on people who are misusing Blue Badges has seen just over 700 checks carried out in four months.

Blue Badges are issued to people with severe mobility problems and a badge holder can display their badge in their car or any vehicle they are travelling in, to park closer to where they need to be, sometimes for free.

Derbyshire County Council processes the Blue Badges and there are currently around 40,000 people across the county who have one. READ MORE...

New Community Police Base For Hasland

Tuesday 8th April 2014 A new community police base has been opened in Hasland for the local Safer Neighbourhood policing team.

The office, which is at Hasland Village Hall in Eastwood Park, has been provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.

It will provide the team with a stop while they are out on patrol in the area, and also a place where they can hold small meetings with local residents.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Mark Church said... READ MORE...

Mini Roundabout For Hasland

Monday 7th April 2014 Traffic lights at a Hasland road junction are set to be replaced with a mini-roundabout and other safety measures, following calls by local residents for a re-think.

More than 190 people attended two consultation events organised by Derbyshire County Council in December 2013 and January 2014 and gave their comments on new proposals for the village.

The new proposals include: Removing the traffic lights; Putting in a mini-roundabout highlighted in a different coloured surface; Introducing a... READ MORE...

Mercians March Into Town. Chesterfield Salutes It's Heroes

Friday 4th April 2014 Members of the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment have, this morning, marched past the Town Hall as they exercised their Freedom Of The Borough of Chesterfield.

Beginning at Rose Hill, the Battalion marched down the High Street and back along Knifesmithgate - and were applauded by shoppers and residents of the town throughout.

Dignitaries, including Her Grace The Duchess of Devonshire, The Lord Lieutenant, Mr William Tucker and The Mayor...READ MORE, VIDEO, AUDIO & PICS...

County Council Support For Community War Commemorations

Tuesday 1st April 2014 Residents are being offered support to stage their own First World War events as part of a Derbyshire County Council project to commemorate the conflict.

The council has received £84,600 Heritage Lottery Funding to set up 'Derbyshire Lives in the First World War' to support events across the county.

It will pay for a project manager to work with local community groups, help provide information and advice about staging events and offer groups help to find sources of financial support. READ MORE...

Police Issue Advice Following Bogus Parking Fines

Tuesday 25th March 2014 Derbyshire police are urging motorists to remain vigilant following reports of bogus parking fines.

Fraudsters are contacting victims by email claiming that they have to pay a parking fine when they have not been in the area at the time of the incident.

The email contains a suspicious attachment where victims are asked to download a form for making a payment and photographic evidence of the parking incident.

The emails originate from what is a bogus email address at... READ MORE...

Free School Meals Serve Up Extra Jobs Across Derbyshire

Friday 21st March 2014 It's been announced today that an extra 130 catering assistants will be recruited by Derbyshire County Council to help serve free meals to infant school pupils.

Every child in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be entitled to a free lunch from September. At the moment, only families on low incomes qualify.

Across Derbyshire, catering staff dish up 7,570 meals a day to children at infant and primary schools. This will increase by up to 8,000 meals a day under these new proposals and more staff must be drafted in to help. READ MORE...

Nearly £3m Pothole Cash 'Not Enough' Says County Council

Friday 21st March 2014 Extra cash from the Government to fix Derbyshire's roads has been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council, although it is not enough to mend all the potholes.

The Government announced yesterday, Thursday, 20th March, that Derbyshire will receive £2.946 million to fix potholes caused by the severe wet winter weather.

Councillor Dean Collins, Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: "Any extra money is of course to be welcomed, but it is unlikely to be enough to mend all the roads that have been damaged..." READ MORE...

Council Reduces Size Of Planning Committee

Wednesday 19th March 2014 North East Derbyshire District Council is continuing its drive for efficiency, after they agreed to reduce the number of councillors on its Planning Committee from 33 to 18.

The reduction will come into force in May 2014 and will mean the committee will be made up of non-executive members only. The Council received advice from the Local Government Association (LGA) and after comparing similar sized authorities, the Council agreed to reduce the size of its committee.

North East Derbyshire District Council Leader, Councillor... READ MORE...

The Decision On Subsidised Faith School Transport Is Due

Wednesday 19th March 2014 Subsidised buses to faith schools are under review as Derbyshire County Council tries to save £157m over the next four years.

Reductions in government grants, inflation and greater demands on areas of the budget for adult social services and vulnerable children, mean the council must rethink the way it delivers services.

It launched a consultation on plans to stop providing discretionary transport for children attending schools preferred on grounds of religion or belief, who do not qualify for free transport. READ MORE...

Young People And Employers Reap Apprenticeship Benefits

Wednesday 19th March 2014 Apprenticeships are a key part of the local economy and Derbyshire County Council is playing its part through support to employers and young people alike.

The council has recently launched web pages which have been designed to enable employers to find out more about the scheme.

Currently the council's Adult Community Education Service is working with the National Apprenticeship Service and helping 100 local employers to recruit apprentices and to train them in a wide variety of skills. READ MORE...

County Council Warns Consumers About 'Copycat' Websites

Tuesday 18th March 2014 Copycat websites are costing consumers thousands of pounds according to new figures from Derbyshire County Council.

Victims of copycat sites who have complained to council trading standards officers have lost a total of almost £13,000 this year.

The websites offer services from government departments or local government but are not official sites and charge a premium - often with no real benefit to the customer.

An online tax return processing service has cost Derbyshire... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Pays Tribute To Tony Benn "A Mesmerising Man"

Friday 14th March 2014 This morning, at Chesterfield's Labour club, leaders of the party and friends of The Rt Hon Tony Benn, gathered to pay tribute to the former town MP.

MP here for 17 years, Tony Benn gathered friends and foe in equal measure but what has been clear today around the town, is that he commanded the respect of all.

Toby Perkins MP lead the tributes this morning, signing the Book of Condolence and telling The Chesterfield Post, "I think the way the full extent of the world's media has descended on Chesterfield shows what an ..." READ MORE & AUDIO...

Former Chesterfield MP Tony Benn Dies, Aged 88

Friday 14th March 2014 Former Labour politician, cabinet minister and Chesterfield MP, Rt Hon Anthony 'Wedgewood' Benn, has died at the age of 88 at his home in West London after a serious illness, he was surrounded by family members.

Tony was MP for Chesterfield from 1984 - 2001.

The area's leaders have been paying tribute to Rt Hon Tony Benn this morning.

In a statement, Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire... READ MORE...

Enterprise Zone Expansion Widens Derbyshire's Appeal

Thursday 13th March 2014 Government plans to expand Markham Vale Enterprise Zone have been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council in the latest move to attract new business and investment to the area.

Another 18 hectares of land on Markham Vale, Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site, have been given enterprise status, bringing benefits for businesses setting up in the area including tax breaks from Government.

Split over two sites, the new areas will form part of the Local Economic Partnership enterprise zone for Sheffield City Region. READ MORE...

Businesses Urged To Celebrate Town's Success At Free Event

Friday 7th March 2014 Local businesses are invited to share in the success of the town's inward investment campaign, Destination Chesterfield, at the Proact Stadium on Thursday 19th March from 7.30am - 10.30am.

Spaces are limited and businesses are being urged to register now after nearly 200 people attended last year's event.

The free breakfast event, which is aptly named 'Celebrate Chesterfield', will look back over the campaign's success during the last 12 months, as well as announce plans for the forthcoming year. READ MORE...

County Council Issue Advice About Scarlet Fever For Parents

Thursday 6th March 2014 Public health officials from Derbyshire County Council are warning parents to look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever in their children.

This year there has been a higher number of reports of the illness, which most commonly occurs in children aged between two and eight.

To help prevent the spread of the disease, public health officials have published guidance about how to spot signs of infection and are advising parents to take children with suspected symptoms to their GP. READ MORE...

County Council Calls For Halt On M1 Speed Restriction

Thursday 6th March 2014
Proposals to introduce a 60mph speed limit on the M1 between junctions 28 and 31 are being opposed by Derbyshire County Council.

The Highways Agency wants to convert the hard shoulder into a fourth lane to widen the 18.5-mile stretch of motorway, as part of a project to improve traffic flow and allow greater volumes to use the route.

But by allowing more traffic to use the motorway, air pollution would be increased along the stretch which runs through three air quality management... READ MORE...

Council Tax Freeze For North East Derbyshire Residents

Wednesday 5th March 2014 North East Derbyshire District Council has taken the decision to freeze its part of the Council Tax as part of the council's plans to help local people.

The freeze, which was agreed at a Council meeting on Monday 3rd March 2014, will mean that there will be no increase in its share of the bill - to help hard-pressed families already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Council Leader Cllr Graham Baxter MBE said, "Despite continuing reductions in our government grants, we have taken this step to freeze our..." READ MORE...

Extra Staff Brought In To Tackle Potholes

Wednesday 5th March 2014 Road workers at Derbyshire County Council are working extra hours to help fix the backlog of potholes caused by extreme wet weather in the past few weeks.

Prolonged and heavy downpours battered roads across the county causing extensive damage in some places.

Over the past five weeks, the county council's Call Derbyshire contact centre received an average of 780 road-related calls a week in addition to potholes reported online. READ MORE...

Up To 30 Further Jobs On The Horizon At Markham

Tuesday 4th March 2014
More jobs are on the horizon for a flagship regeneration site after work began to expand operations for a Derbyshire food company.

Holdsworth, which has been operating since 1969 and supplies caterers across the UK, set up a base on Derbyshire County Council's Markham Vale site four years ago.

Now the family run firm is expanding its operations at Markham with a new warehouse and cold store, which is eventually expected to bring up to 30 jobs. READ MORE...

Pensioner Denied Chance To Die At Home Beside His Brother

Monday 3rd March 2014 The Parlimentary and Health Service Ombudsman and Local Government Ombudsman, have upheld a complaint by a man who had requested that his brother was allowed to die at home.

A report, published this morning after an investigation, says that a retired South Yorkshire miner was prevented from going home to die beside the brother he had lived with his whole life, because of a string of errors by the five organisations tasked with looking after him.

The man, 77, who was unable to walk and who suffered from... READ MORE...

Council Backs Warning About Social Media Drinking 'Game'

Saturday 1st March 2014 A leading Derbyshire councillor has backed calls for health warnings on social media sites to tackle an internet binge drinking game.

Councillor Kevin Gillott, Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, supports the Local Government Association's call for Twitter and Facebook to post prominent messages on their sites warning of the dangers of 'NekNomination'.

The LGA is urging the companies to consider warnings along the lines of those used on cigarette packets to alert social media users to the dangers... READ MORE...

'Sold As Seen' Unstone Car Dealer Is Fined

Saturday 1st March 2014 A car dealer who was reported to Derbyshire County Council trading standards, has received a hefty fine for selling a car that was unworthy to be on the road.

At a hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates Court on Thursday 27th February, Carl Matthew Herring, 33, of Peak Close, Pilsley, pleaded guilty to charges relating to the sale of a used car.

A customer who bought the 'N' registered Peugeot 106 from the defendant's garage, complained to Derbyshire County Council trading standards... READ MORE...

Chesterfield MP Backs Town Marathon

Friday 28th February 2014
Toby Perkins, Chesterfield MP and Shadow Business Minister, has given his support to the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon.

The Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 14th, in aid of children's charity Kids 'n' Cancer UK, along with other local charities and good causes.

Runners can take part in a full marathon, half marathon, fun run and a relay race, where four competitors take a share of the course. More than 1,000 people are expected to take part with entries now open for all events. READ MORE & VIDEO...

Parents To Be Notified About Secondary School Places

Friday 28th February 2014 Parents across the county will hear about their child's secondary school place on Monday 3rd March - and for the majority of families - it is good news!

The authority will make offers of places to 7,721 Derbyshire children on March 3rd and overall, 98.8% have been offered a place at one of their three preferred schools. Of those who applied by the closing date, 94.2% have been offered their first choice school.

This is the ninth year the county council has acted as a central... READ MORE...

Young Entrepreneurs At Chesterfield's New Market Hall

Thursday 27th February 2014 Pupils from schools across North Derbyshire were at Chesterfield's New Market Hall today to 'wow' shoppers with their products and services.

Chesterfield Borough Council is generously offering their facilities to host the annual trade fair, co-ordinated by the North Derbyshire branch of the enterprise education charity, Young Enterprise, which aims to equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise.

Eleven teams of students aged between 14 and 19, showcased a... READ MORE...

Green Bin Collections Are Due To Start Again

Thursday 27th February 2014 Households across Bolsover District and North East Derbyshire are being reminded that their green bin collections are due to start again in early March 2014, which is explained in their bin calendar.

The green bin collections were suspended over the winter months as people are less active in the garden and there is little green waste being produced.

However, with spring on the horizon and people wanting to get back into their gardens the collections will start again. Residents can place items such as leaves, hedge and plant clippings, twigs, branches and prunings, grass mowings... READ MORE...

New Renewable Energy Co-operative For Duckmanton

Wednesday 26th February 2014 Chesterfield councillors have recently voted unanimously to grant planning permission for a co-operatively owned wind turbine at Duckmanton.

The turbine will be sited on former colliery land owned by Harworth Estates.

Four Winds Energy Co-operative (4Winds for short) has been formed to own and manage the turbine, together with a similar one on another former colliery site near Barnsley. The Co-operative is holding a public meeting at Duckmanton Primary School on Wednesday 12th March at 7:30pm, so that local... READ MORE...

YOUTHINC Teenager's Magazine Hits Derbyshire Schools

Wednesday 26th February 2014 A magazine for Derbyshire teenagers is being delivered to secondary schools by Derbyshire County Council.

YOUTHINC magazine has been developed for young people, by young people, with the help of Derbyshire Youth Council.

The 32-page magazine has lots of useful advice about school, homework, body image and staying safe.

It also features celebrity interviews, information on b_line, the... READ MORE...

New Advice Centres In Chesterfield Are A Step Nearer

Thursday 20th February 2014 Plans to open advice centres in Derbyshire children's centres came a step nearer after the authority awarded contracts to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Local people will be able to get free advice on everything from debt management and welfare rights to housing issues and getting back to work when the new service opens which is expected to be in April.

Derbyshire County Council is investing almost £500,000 in helping hard-pressed families get the help and information they need. READ MORE...

Scrap Metal Dealers Reminded Of New Legislation

Tuesday 18th February 2014

Residents in Bolsover and North East Derbyshire are being reminded about new licensing rules for scrap metal dealers which came into force last October.

The legislation means that anybody collecting scrap metal or salvaging motor parts in the two districts must have a licence issued by their local authority.

The new laws are designed to help tackle increasing rates of metal theft across the country, and replace the old 'registration' scheme with a new... READ MORE...

Local MP Becomes Disabled Children's Charity Champion

Monday 17th February 2014 Natascha Engel, Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire, has become an MP Champion for disabled children's charity, Whizz-Kidz.

Whizz-Kidz has recently transformed the lives of 5 disabled youngsters from North East Derbyshire by providing essential mobility equipment that helps them to have a an active and fun childhood and the same opportunities as their peers.

Natascha said, "I'm delighted to support Whizz-Kidz by becoming an MP Champion. The charity do fantastic work locally, helping disabled children..." READ MORE... 

Vital Centre Expansion Brings Economic Hope To The Area

Friday 14th February 2014 There is more good news on the jobs front for the local area, after it was announced that a business centre which is playing a vital role in the drive to bring thousands of jobs to Derbyshire, is to be extended in a £975,000 scheme.

The Markham Vale Environment Centre is at the heart of Derbyshire County Council's Markham Vale regeneration site close to junction 29A of the M1.

The former coalfield site is eventually expected to employ around 5,000 people.  It is already home to 28 businesses employing over 400 people. READ MORE...

New Future For Landmark Chesterfield Building

Thursday 13th February 2014 St Helena Centre on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, currently owned by Derbyshire County Council, is to be taken over by the University of Derby.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Council Services, Councillor Brian Ridgway, said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to give the University the opportunity to extend their work into Chesterfield. This is the best possible use for the St Helena Centre.

"The University will bring new jobs to the area and create..." READ MORE...

FREE Childcare For Two Year Olds Announced

Wednesday 12th February 2014 Families on low incomes in Derbyshire are being urged not to miss out on free childcare for their two-year-olds.

A scheme offering up to 15 hours of free childcare a week for two-year-olds is being rolled out to hard-pressed working families across the county. Previously, it was only open to people on certain benefits.

Now, Derbyshire families with a household income of less than £16,190 a year and receiving Working Tax Credits, can take advantage of the offer which could add up to thousands of pounds of free childcare a year. READ MORE...

County Council's Plans To Develop Derbyshire's Waterways

Wednesday 12th February 2014 Plans to develop Derbyshire's waterways have been drafted with the aim of making the most of their potential.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet were shown the draft Waterways Strategy on 11th February and agreed to share it with interested parties for consultation before a final version is submitted in April.

The county council owns and maintains 11 miles of canals including Cromford Canal from Cromford Wharf to Ambergate and Butterley Tunnel to Codnor Park Reservoir; Chesterfield Canal from St. Helena's Weir to... READ MORE...

County Council Calls Time On Mental Health Discrimination

Tuesday 11th February 2014 Mental health stigma and discrimination is being tackled by Derbyshire County Council, as part of the national 'Time to Change' programme.

The county council pledged its commitment to the campaign on Friday at an awareness raising event held at County Hall in Matlock.

Time to Change aims to reduce mental health discrimination, help people with mental health problems able to address discrimination and hold an annual mass participation event centred around physical activity to bring together people... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Children's Services Praised By Watchdog

Monday 10th February 2014 Derbyshire's services for children and young people are "Good" according to a new-style inspection carried out by Government watchdogs.

Derbyshire County Council is one of the first five local authorities inspected under a new combined Ofsted regime, which looks at the way all services for vulnerable young people are run.

This includes children who need protection, children in care, those leaving care and children helped by the authority's adoption and fostering teams. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Borough Council Looks For Community Leaders

Monday 10th February 2014 Chesterfield Borough Council is looking for residents to chair the council's Community Assemblies.

The positions are voluntary, although the Council will pay reasonable expenses for costs incurred carrying out the role and will involve chairing the assembly meetings four times each year.

Applications will be welcomed from residents in the Community Assembly areas.

The four Community Assemblies are: South Assembly covering... READ MORE...

Bombardier Contract welcomed By Natascha Engel MP

Thursday 6th February 2014 MP for North East Derbyshire, Natascha Engel, has welcomed the news that Bombardier of Derby have been awarded a £1 billion contract to build new trains for Crossrail.

Commenting on the news, Natascha Engel said: "This is wonderful news for the company and for the employees. Bombardier is the only company in the UK that builds trains and we should be safeguarding this manufacturing base.

"It is only right that this contract should be awarded to a British based company. In 2011, Bombardier lost out  to German manufacturer Siemens..." READ MORE...

'Bite The Ballot' Or Be Bitten?

Wednesday 5th February 2014 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins visited Chesterfield College to encourage young people to register to vote, as part of the national youth led campaign, Bite the Ballot.

Toby Perkins said, "Voting determines the kind of society we live in. If you are not registered to vote, you don't have a say. I am concerned that young people and those from less privileged backgrounds are under-represented and so, the laws we make in society do not always reflect their best interests."

In 2010, only 44% of 18 to 24 year olds voted, while 76% of those... READ MORE...

Her Majesty The Queen Thanks Hady Primary School Pupils

Wednesday 5th February 2014 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins addressed a special assembly with a royal theme today as he took a letter from Buckingham Palace - that was received in response to a Christmas Card he sent on behalf of Chesterfield - to a local primary school.

Her Majesty the Queen had written to express her thanks to Hady Primary School pupils, the people of Chesterfield and Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, for their "kind message of Christmas greetings."

Budding young artists from the school participated in the... READ MORE... 

Work Starts On Empty Properties - But More Are Wanted

Tuesday 4th February 2014 The first owners of empty properties have signed up to a scheme to bring their property back into use and made available at an affordable rent - but others are urged to follow suit.

Homeowners, whose properties have been empty for at least six months and may be struggling to sell or rent it, can sign up to the scheme which will see their property bought back into use and offered to people at an affordable rent level.

The scheme, a partnership project between Bolsover District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and Groundwork Creswell,... READ MORE...

Local Food Banks Boosted By Share Of £113k Council Funding

Friday 31st January 2014 Local food banks are to benefit from a share of £113,000 Derbyshire County Council funding to help them cope with increased demand.

Seventeen of the county's 21 food banks applied for funding and have been awarded grants to help them feed more people by buying fridges and storage boxes, covering additional volunteer and vehicle running costs and paying for training, administration and rent.

The council has approved the funding from its public health budget to support Derbyshire's food bank network as part of its wider commitment... READ MORE...

Most Sunbeds Fail Safety Test In County Council Survey

Friday 31st January 2014 Six out of ten sunbeds tested in a Derbyshire County Council survey were found to emit dangerously high levels of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Tanning lamps are restricted to a certain power - by law and the legal limit across Europe - of 0.3 watts per square metre. This was adopted in 2009 because of growing health concerns.

But even sunbeds operating at this level give off the equivalent UV radiation to an hour's midday sun in Australia! READ MORE...

Major Milestone For The Avenue

Friday 24th January 2014
A major milestone in the clean-up of the most polluted site in Western Europe was reached recently when the specially designed plant for removing toxic waste was switched off for the last time.

The Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU), which uses extreme heat, has made over 402,000 tonnes of the most polluted wastes safe and is now being dismantled before starting work in the Netherlands. Work will continue on making the less polluted parts of the site completely safe by composting the soils to allow naturally occurring bacteria to make them safe. READ MORE...

County Council Set To Consider 1.99% Council Tax Rise

Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Derbyshire County Council is proposing to increase Council Tax by 1.99% to help deal with a £157m shortfall in its budget by 2018.

As we reported last week, reductions in Government grants, inflation and greater demands on areas of the budget for Adult Social Care and Vulnerable Children mean the County Council is facing unprecedented budget pressures.

In 2014-15, the authority must save £36.7m and at a meeting next week (Tuesday 28th January), the council's cabinet will be asked to set the... READ MORE...

2 Arrested As More Than 7,000 Cigarettes Seized In Raids

Sunday 19th January 2014 Two people have been arrested and tobacco with a street value of £5,000 seized, in the latest raids to crack down on shops suspected of selling counterfeit cigarettes.

Derbyshire Police and Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards officers raided two shops in Park Corner, Ripley and Victoria Street, Shirebrook on Tuesday, January 14th.

More than 7,000 cigarettes and 94 pouches of hand rolling tobacco were seized as well as a number of bottles of suspected illicit vodka. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Borough Council To Mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Sunday 19th January 2014 Chesterfield residents can pay tribute to victims of the Holocaust by attending an event to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting a performance by the professional theatre company, Voices of the Holocaust, which will bring stories from survivors together on Monday 27th January.

The performance takes place at the Donut Creative Arts Studio, Spring Bank Road at 7pm. Demand for places is expected to be high - to book a seat, e-mail eoinfo@chesterfield.gov.uk. READ MORE...

County Council Announces Multi-Million Pound Cuts Plans

Tuesday 14th January 2014 Initial proposals have been unveiled by Derbyshire County Council today (Tuesday, 14th January) for helping the organisation cut £157m from its budget by 2018.

Reductions in Government grants, inflation and greater demands on areas of the county council's budget for adult social care and vulnerable children mean it must re-think the way it delivers services.

Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: "We're facing massive financial pressures like never before and..." READ MORE...

County Announces Adult Social Care Budget Proposals

Tuesday 14th January 2014 Derbyshire County Council has revealed four proposals which would change or reduce its adult care services as part of its overall plan to meet £157 million of budget cuts by 2018.

The council must make the savings due to reductions in Government grants, inflation and greater demands on areas of the budget for adult social care and vulnerable children.

Adult social care has the largest share of the overall county council budget and currently £206 million is spent on services for older and... READ MORE...

Consultation On Transport For Disabled Pupils

Tuesday 14th January 2014 Free school transport for some Derbyshire pupils with special educational needs is having to be reviewed as part of proposals to help Derbyshire County Council save £157m by 2018.

The county council is set to launch a consultation which could see some families with disabled children being asked to pay for their child's travel to and from their place of learning.

Proposed changes could affect sixth form age students, pre-school age children and young adults aged 19 to 25 with a learning disability assessment. READ MORE...

Derbyshire County Council Set To Pay 'Living Wage'

Tuesday 14th January 2014 The lowest paid staff directly employed by Derbyshire County Council, including cleaners, school catering assistants and school crossing patrol staff will have their pay increased if proposals are agreed at a meeting at Cabinet next week.

More than 3,000 employees will benefit from an increase in their hourly rate from 1st April 2014. They will be paid £7.65 an hour.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Anne Western (below), said: "Many hard working employees are struggling to make ends meet because..." READ MORE...

Consultation On Proposed Mandatory M1 Speed Limit Begins

Tuesday 7th January 2014 A consultation on the proposal to introduce a maximum mandatory speed limit as part of the planned upgrade to the M1 in South Yorkshire and the East Midlands was published yesterday, Monday 6th January.

The Highways Agency is proposing to implement a maximum mandatory speed limit of 60mph between junction 28 at Mansfield and junction 35a at Sheffield and Rotherham, between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week, as part of improvements planned for the M1. The speed limit will be used to manage traffic speeds and help reduce congestion and air pollutants locally. READ MORE...

Residents Invited To Discuss Public Health Lifestyle Services

Tuesday 7th January 2013 Residents will be invited to have their say on plans to reorganise public health lifestyle services in Derbyshire this month.

Derbyshire County Council is inviting people to take part in a series of local events to discuss the way these services are provided.

The events will focus on new plans to offer people one point of access for help to lose weight, stop smoking and lead more active lifestyles.

These plans would see a team of 'wellbeing workers' providing... READ MORE...

Council Asks Local Residents About Sexual Health Services

Friday 3rd January 2014
Derbyshire Residents are to be asked for their views about sexual health services as part of a Derbyshire County Council review.

The council wants to make sure current services meet local people's needs and will also use feedback to help plan future provision.

Services currently on offer are: Contraception services including emergency contraception; Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Sexual health promotion, information and advice and HIV... READ MORE...

Old Hall School Grilling For Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins

Friday 20th December 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins recently paid a visit to Old Hall Primary School - and praised the children for their attentive listening and deeply thoughtful questions.

Toby said, "When I'm in the House of Commons, I rarely get faced with such eager anticipation or active listening.  It is something the honourable members on the opposite benches could learn from!"

Toby visited the school to discuss local and educational issues with the Headteacher Sharon Stone and Chair of Governors, Mrs Pennington. READ MORE...

Warning Of Increased Fire Risk Caused By Illegal Cigarettes

Wednesday 18th December 2013 Smokers are being warned about the increased fire as well as health risks of buying cheap illicit cigarettes.

Derbyshire County Council found that all the illicit tobacco products seized in recent raids were missing vital safety features which help to prevent house fires.

Since 2011, all cigarettes sold in the UK should by law be manufactured with narrow bands of fire retardant paper, called 'speed bumps', which greatly reduce the risk of them continuing to burn if they are left unattended, such as when they are dropped or a smoker falls asleep. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Jobseekers To Sign New Claimant Commitment

Friday 13th December 2013 New claimants to Jobseeker's Allowance in Chesterfield, will now have to sign a 'Claimant Commitment' which sets out fully what they need to do in order to receive state support - building on current support and providing clear information about the consequences of failing to meet requirements.

There are more than 2,100 people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Chesterfield.

Work coaches will help claimants set out a detailed statement of what they will do to find work using a new personal work plan. Claimants will also... READ MORE...

Local MP Natascha Engel Rejects Proposed Salary Increase

Monday 9th December 2013 Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, Natascha Engel (pictured), has said today that she has rejected the proposal from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to increase MPs salaries.

Natascha Engel said, "I will not be taking the proposed salary increase. At a time of austerity when household incomes are so tight, when most of public sector pay is frozen, it would be wrong for MPs to accept a pay rise. I am writing to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to urge them to re-think this proposal. If we are forced to take the increase, I will be giving the money to the foodbanks in North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield."

Post Office Bosses To Consult On 'Dicey' Move

Monday 9th December 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins is urging his constituents to attend a public meeting with Post Office bosses, to share their views on 'dicey' proposals to relocate Chesterfield's Crown Post Office into the Pavement's Centre branch of WH Smith's.

A Post Office spokesman claimed the move is needed to save costs and is being carried out at 70 of their 373 'Crown Branches' - larger stand-alone outlets, such as the branch in Chesterfield's New Square.

However, Mr Perkins has blasted the plans as 'dicey', saying they... READ MORE...

Council Funding Approved To Help Tackle Fuel Poverty

Monday 9th December 2013 Funding has been approved by Derbyshire County Council to support older and vulnerable people most at risk of ill health from living in cold and damp conditions.

The move is part of the council's public health commitment to tackling fuel poverty, reducing the number of deaths due to cold weather and impacting on health care costs.

Around 59,295 Derbyshire households live in fuel poverty and between last December and March there were an estimated 426 'excess' winter deaths... READ MORE...

Fit For A Queen! A Little Piece Of Chesterfield Goes To London

Monday 9th December 2013 One lucky little lad from Chesterfield will see a winning Christmas Card designed by him, sitting on some very famous mantelpieces this year.

Rehman Abdul, was the lucky winner of Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins' annual competition to create a card fit for a Queen, several MP's (including the Prime Minister) and over two thousand residents of Chesterfield.

Hady Primary School were given the task of drawing pictures which would showcase the work of Chesterfield children - and over 100 designs were... READ MORE...

Spend Local - Small Business Saturday Takes Place

Saturday 7th December 2013 Council leaders are urging residents to keep their spend close to home during a national day of support for local retailers.

The first ever Small Business Saturday takes place this Saturday, 7th December - traditionally one of the busiest shopping days in the run up to Christmas.

It is the brainchild of MP Chuka Umunna, based on a similar initiative in America, and has support from all major political parties.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet... READ MORE...

'Invest In Chesterfield' Campaign Taken To Westminster

Thursday 5th December 2013 Chesterfield's marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, has been highlighted by the Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP, as "A good example of the public and private sector working together and, taking responsibility to attract investment and promote their town."

The praise came at an exclusive 'Invest in Chesterfield' event which was hosted by Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins in Westminster recently. The event, which was organised by Destination Chesterfield, was designed to showcase the town to potential investors and property developers, highlighting the... READ MORE...

MP Natascha Engel To Hold Consultation On Fire Station

Wednesday 4th December 2013
Natascha Engel, MP for North East Derbyshire, is to hold a public meeting about the future of Dronfield Fire Station and Derbyshire Fire Authority's plans for fire stations across the county.

The meeting will take place between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday, 8th December 2013. The meeting will be held in the Gosforth Lodge in Cliffe Park, Dronfield.

Natascha Engel said, "Derbyshire Fire and Rescue are consulting on plans to close nine fire stations across the county. Dronfield is one of them. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Borough Council Call Centre Problems - Update

Monday 2nd December 2013 12:00 Although Chesterfield Borough Council are still experiencing problems with their phone lines, they have now set up a temporary call centre in the Town Hall.

You can now contact them on the usual call centre number: 01246 345345 but please bear with them as they have fewer staff manning the phone lines than usual.

You can still contact the Council by using the contact form on the website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/contact-us-751.html or e-mail enquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk and their team will deal with your...READ MORE...

Council Helps Families Get the Help They Need

Thursday 28th November 2013
A handbook packed with information about where families can get help bringing up their children is now available.

Produced by Derbyshire County Council with key partners, the quick-reference guide includes all services for families, including parenting classes and nursery education to drug and alcohol misuse and welfare.

Called the Early Help Offer, it is designed to make it as easy as possible for families to get the help they need before things get on top of them. READ MORE...

Natascha Engel Receives 'Parliamentarian Of The Year' Award

Wednesday 27th November 2013 Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, Natascha Engel, has been recognised for her work as the first ever Chair of Parliament's Backbench Business Committee.

The prestigious Political Studies Association made the award of Parliamentarian of the Year to Natascha at its Annual Awards ceremony in London.

Natascha received the accolade from the Association for her work in creating an important forum for reigning in Government control over Parliament, championing the rights of backbenchers and providing a real commitment to... READ MORE...

'Nothing's Impossible!' Chesterfield Supports Small Businesses

Tuesday 26th November 2013
Chesterfield was this morning the latest destination on a nationwide bus tour to promote the UK's first ever 'Small Business Saturday' on Saturday December 7th.

Championed in the UK by Chuka Umunna, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills and supported by the Prime Minister, the Business Secretary Vince Cable and the Minister for Skills Matthew Hancock, this non-political campaign highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses. READ MORE, AUDIO & VIDEO...

Council's Outline Permission For Wingerworth Development

Monday 25th November 2013
North East Derbyshire District Council has given its support for a large mixed use redevelopment scheme of the former coking works at The Avenue, Derby Road in Wingerworth.

The Council resolved to grant outline planning permission for the proposal, put forward by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which will see up to 469-dwellings being built with land being made available for employment use, a primary school, other community facilities, public open spaces and improvements to the highway network, including forming a new roundabout on to the A61. READ MORE...

Funding Boost For Derbyshire Schools

Monday 25th November 2013 A £108,000 funding boost to improve the quality of schools is being proposed by Derbyshire County Council.

Funding for 11 schools is being outlined as part of the authority's ongoing 'joint funding' initiative.

The total cash pot of £1.205m agreed for 2013/14, helps schools match-fund projects to improve and modernise their buildings.

The latest schemes - which will go to Cabinet for approval on... READ MORE...

A Winter Wonderland Comes To Town!

Sunday 24th November 2013 Thousands filled New Square this evening to see Chesterfield transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with snow.

A special Christmas Market was held throughout the afternoon, with the festive lights switched on at 4.45 pm by stars of this years panto, Beauty and The Beast, S Club 7's Tina Barrett and Superstar's Jon Moses.

Directions Theatre Arts provided a Christmas Medley and Calow Primary School choir entertained the crowds. PeakFM presenters provided the roadshow at the event, orgainised by Chesterfield Borough Council.READ MORE & VIDEO...

Local MP Urges Residents To Speak Up Over Post Office Plans

Thursday 21st November 2013 The Post Office has announced a customer forum on the proposed relocation of Chesterfield Post Office at the meeting space at The Chesterfield Hotel, Malkin Street, Chesterfield, on Wednesday 11th December, starting from 4:30pm and running through the evening.

The event will function as a drop-in information session, with all interested parties encouraged to attend.

However, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has voiced "serious concerns" about these plans to relocate the town's central Post Office into WH Smith's... READ MORE...

Planning Application For Queen's Park Sports Centre Available

Tuesday 19th November 2013 Chesterfield Borough Council has announced that the planning application for the new Queen's Park Sports Centre has been published.

Residents are invited to have their say on the development, which councillors say will reduce subsidy costs and be more energy efficient that the existing building.

The proposed new development, which would see a state of the art sports facility built on the current Annexe, has already undergone one round of public consultation and a full council debate after concerns were raised by local residents. READ MORE...

Beauty Lights Up Chesterfield

Tuesday 19th November 2013 Chesterfield is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland this weekend as Chesterfield Borough Council's annual Christmas lights switch-on, takes place.

Stars of Beauty and the Beast, this year's panto at the Pomegranate Theatre, S Club 7's Tina Barratt and ITV Superstar runner-up Jon Moses, will switch on the lights together with Chesterfield's Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Paul Stone and Mrs Barbara Wallace.

The switch-on will happen in New Square this Sunday, 24th... READ MORE...

Former Manager Of Chesterfield Theatres Remembered

Saturday 16th November 2013
The Friends of Chesterfield Theatres have presented a framed photograph of Derek Coleman, which will be hung in the bar of the Pomegranate Theatre in memory of him.

Councillor Ken Huckle, Chesterfield Borough Council's Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, who received the framed photograph on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council, commented: "Derek Coleman was a key part of Chesterfield's theatres for many years and it is only fitting that we should honour him in this way." READ MORE...

More Health Zones Planned For Derbyshire County Council

Thursday 14th November 2013 Getting help to lead a healthier lifestyle is about to get easier thanks to Derbyshire County Council extending health and wellbeing zones to more of its libraries.

Nine libraries will benefit from these dedicated areas thanks to additional funding being made available, in addition to the 18 libraries across the county which already have them.

Health and wellbeing zones are clearly marked areas in a library where people can get their hands on a range of information which can help keep... READ MORE...

Food Banks Invited To Apply For County Council Funding

Thursday 14th November 2013 Every foodbank across Derbyshire has been invited to apply for council funding to help them feed struggling families.

Derbyshire County Council has set aside £108,000 to help local food banks provide emergency food parcels to an increasing number of residents facing financial difficulties.

According to national figures released by the UK's biggest foodbank network, The Trussell Trust, the number of people relying on food banks to survive has tripled over the last year. READ MORE...

Local MP Helps Police Launch Scheme To Target Speeding

Thursday 14th November 2013
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has joined Police to help launch a scheme to raise awareness on speeding traffic in Walton.

Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood policing team have set up a Community Speed Watch as part of their efforts to target residents concerns about speeding and road safety on Whitecotes Lane.

Community Speed Watch involves local residents and volunteers who are trained to use the equipment and given the opportunity to carry out checks... READ MORE...

Puffin Crossing Planned For North Wingfield

Wednesday 13th November 2013 Plans to build a puffin crossing in North Wingfield to improve the safety of pedestrians have been approved.

Derbyshire County Council agreed the plans on Tuesday following calls for a crossing on St Lawrence Road. The crossing is being installed on the busy road outside the White Hart Inn, to help pedestrians get to the surgery and other village facilities such as the school and shops. Councillor Dean Collins, Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: "We are always looking to make roads in Derbyshire safer and believe this scheme will help us to do that. We have listened to everyone's views and believe this is the best solution for all involved."

Young Mums' Baby Bump Casts On Show

Wednesday 13th November 2013 A unique exhibition of belly casts of young mothers in Chesterfield, will go on display at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley.

The 14 young mums, partners and family members who attended the belly casting and health workshops organised by Staveley Children's Centre and South Lodge Children's Centre in Chesterfield, are invited to the event on Tuesday 19th November.

The project aims to encourage young women to have positive... READ MORE...

It's A Privilege - Chesterfield Remembers The Fallen

Monday 11th November 2013 Chesterfield came to a standstill today on the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month, as a two minute silence to honour the fallen heroes of war was observed on Armistice Day - the anniversary of the moment the guns stopped in World War I.

A single shot marked the start of the silence, which was also observed in shops and businesses around the town.

Dignitaries, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield and Leader of the Council John Burrows - along with the Chief Executive... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Remembers

Sunday 10th November 2013 Chesterfield's veterans came in their hundreds to remember and share their private memories of war, on the most public of occasions - Remembrance Sunday.

Services of Remembrance were also held at various points across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire throughout the day - with more taking place in the evening.

On Sunday afternoon, on a cold but sunny Autumn day, The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, along with other Councillors, and dignitaries including The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, William Tucker... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Stand Road Fireworks Display Lights Up Chesterfield Skies

Thursday 7th November 2013 More than 15,000 residents watched as Chesterfield Borough Council's annual fireworks display went off with a bang.

Despite rain in the lead-up to the event at Stand Road Recreation Ground on Tuesday night, the weather was fine for the display, which featured a new firework this year - silver screaming discs rising in the sky.

Comments from residents and visitors who attended the event were overwhelmingly positive. Twitter follower Anna T said the event was "The best fireworks display I have seen in my life!", Shaun Roddis commented... READ MORE...

More Permanent Adoptive Homes Needed For Children In Care

Wednesday 6th November 2013 Hundreds of children in Derbyshire are looking for a permanent, loving family to call their own - could you open your heart and your home to a child?

November 4th - November 10th is National Adoption Week and it's the perfect time to find out more about exactly what is involved.

Councillor Kevin Gillott, Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, says: "There are around 630 children in care in Derbyshire and they all need a place to call home." READ MORE...

Déda Launches Search For Young Dance Stars

Monday 4th November 2013 A Chesterfield-based youth contemporary dance company is holding auditions next month to give talented local youngsters the chance to develop their performance skills.

Derbyshire Youth Dance Company was launched last year by Derby-based Déda, one of the UKs' leading dance centres, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, the Winding Wheel theatre where it is based and the Dance4's Centre for Advanced Training (CAT).

The first group of 11 young dancers aged 11 to 18 have been... READ MORE...

Not Only Here For The Beer! CAMRA Opens Assembly Rooms

Friday 1st November 2013 Chesterfield will be a 'glass half full' town this weekend - as the Real Ale Festival, organised by CAMRA, kicked off in the newly refurbished Market Hall Assembly Hall today on Day Two of Chesterfield's three day long Market Festival.

49 locally brewed beers are featuring at the event, with a blind tasting by a panel of experts choosing the event's top tipple.

Dating from 1857, Chesterfield's historic Market Hall, and the Assembly Room which it houses, has just undergone a £4 million refit... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Market Goes Back In Time!

Thursday 31st October 2013 Anyone visiting town today would have thought they'd gone back in time, as the traders on the regular flea market donned their finest 1940's gear and opened the three day Market Festival.

Luckily the weather held as thousands packed into the Market square throughout the day to buy and sell goods and produce. In keeping with the event, many stalls had a forties theme and many items for sale had a definite retro feel about them.

There was the added attraction of the annual fun filled Bargain Hunt which saw the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield team up with TV... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Let The Fireworks Begin At Chesterfield's Biggest Free Display

Thursday 31st October 2013 The spark(ler)s are set to fly at Chesterfield Borough Council's annual fireworks display.

The event takes place at Stand Road Recreation Ground on Tuesday 5th November, with the gates open from 6pm and a huge fireworks display taking place during the evening, which finishes at around 9pm and best of all, entrance is completely free!

There will be fun for all the family with a large funfair and entertainment from Peak FM's roadshow and a selection of various catering vans. READ MORE...

It's The Market Hall - But Not As You Know It!

Monday 28th October 2013 It has been one of the town's flagship regeneration projects - and today, Chesterfield Market Hall opened its doors for the first time after the £4m refurbishment of the interior, and the cleaning and restoration of the external façade.

The scheme, funded mainly through grants from European Regional Development Fund and a lottery grant has taken a year to complete - with the keys handed over on time and on budget.

Whilst the renovations were taking place, traders were re-homed... READ MORE...

Win A Pair Of Tickets For Isla St Clair's 'Eyes Front' Show

Saturday 26th October 2013 We have two tickets to give away to a wonderful 'Live and Local' event , organised by two local councillors - Shirley Niblock and Howard Borrell.

On Friday 1st November, the legendary Isla St Clair brings her "Eyes Front" show to the St Thomas Centre, Chatsworth Road.

The show content ties in nicely with the timing of the event - as we look poignantly towards Remembrance Sunday, Isla brings "an exciting combination of live performance and film about the effect of music in wartime." READ MORE...

Cabinet Approves Public's Chosen Design For Hornsbridge

Thursday 24th October 2013 Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet has approved plans for a key entrance into the town, as chosen by the public and local businesses.

At their meeting on Tuesday 22nd October, cabinet members approved plans for work by a local artist, guided by the outcome of a public consultation, to be installed at Hornsbridge roundabout, the main gateway into Chesterfield from the M1.

£300,000 in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Barratt Homes, who are currently building 68 homes on the... READ MORE...

New Measures To Reduce Speed On The A61

Thursday 24th October 2013 Changes to the existing speed limits on Main Road, Stretton and High Street, Clay Cross are being introduced by Derbyshire County Council.

To help control the speed of traffic through Stretton Village and along the A61, the county council has agreed the following changes: Reduction of the 50mph speed limit to 40 mph on the A61 Stretton Road, Clay Cross and A61 Main Road, Stretton (south of Clay Cross through Stretton village), to the south side of B6014, Morton Road and introduceing a 40mph limit between the 30mph limit through Clay Cross and the 50mph limit to the north of Clay Cross. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Woman's Plight Raised In Parliament

Wednesday 23rd October 2013
A Chesterfield woman who is living with constant pain was given new hope after her case was raised in Parliament.

Jemma Hill, 25, of Newbold, was told by specialists at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, that she needed a hip arthroscopy operation to cure her painful hip condition.

However, she was left disappointed when her local Clinical Commissioning Group told her that they wouldn't fund the treatment, despite it being available to patients in South Yorkshire. READ MORE...

Derbyshire 'At Risk' Groups Urged To Fight Flu This Winter

Wednesday 23rd October 2013 People who are offered a flu jab are being urged to have the vaccination and protect themselves this winter by Derbyshire County Council.

Key groups include parents of two to three year old children, people aged 65 and over, adults and children with long term health conditions, and pregnant women.  

For the first time, a nasal spray vaccine will be offered to healthy 2 and 3 year old children which marks the first step in an extension to the national flu vaccination programme. It will eventually include yearly vaccination of all... READ MORE...

Chesterfield's New Market Hall Prepares To Open Its Doors

Tuesday 22nd October 2013 The finishing touches are currently being added to Chesterfield's Market Hall, which opens later this month after a £4 million redevelopment.

The new Market Hall, owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, opens on Monday 28th October after the work - which has taken 12 months - is completed.

The main retail hall has been transformed, with a glazed atrium above first floor level providing natural light and the 1970s extension on New Square has been redesigned to be more in keeping with the original Market Hall, whilst... READ MORE...

Young Carers In N E Derbyshire Get Creative With their Feelings

Monday 21st October 2013
Young people from across North East Derbyshire have put together a short film about their life as carers.

The film, which will be used by the UK charity, Action for Children, is designed to help young people and organisations understand what it's like to be a carer and to better equip them to cope with the challenges faced.

The film was put together with financial assistance from Rykneld Homes, the housing management organisation for N E Derbyshire District Council. READ MORE...

Proposed End Of Subsidised School Transport - Have Your Say

Monday 14th October 2013 Parents and carers are being asked for their views on proposals to end subsidised transport to faith schools in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council is considering ending discretionary transport subsidies for students attending schools preferred on grounds of religion or belief.

Any decision about whether or not to make the changes would only be made following a full consultation.

Councillor Kevin Gillott, Derbyshire County Council's... READ MORE...

Jobs Boost As Markham Vale Attracts Construction Jobs

Wednesday 9th October 2013 Hundreds more new jobs for local people are on the cards, as two leading construction companies set up their site office at Derbyshire's flagship regeneration site.

Costain Serco - a joint venture of the two companies - is setting up at Derbyshire County Council's Markham Vale site, adjacent to junction 29A of the M1, while they carry out motorway work for the Highways Agency.

Much of the work on the two year project - which is still subject to statutory processes and contract award - is expected to be delivered through locally... READ MORE...

Spreading The Word During Whitecotes' Reading Week

Wednesday 9th October 2013 Pupils at a Chesterfield primary school have been enjoying extra storytimes as part of a week dedicated to the written word.

Whitecotes Primary School invited Derbyshire County Council's Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, to visit during the week and read the children a story.

Councillor Greenhalgh said, "Reading is so important for children. It improves their language skills, develops their vocabulary and their imagination. Children who can read do better at school. I was delighted to be asked to take part..." READ MORE...

Derbyshire Confirms Budget And Sets The Way Forward

Friday 4th October 2013 Derbyshire County Council has confirmed plans to balance its budget for the year.

In addition, Council Leader Anne Western announced measures set out in The Derbyshire Challenge, which the council will introduce in its bid to limit the damage from more than £157 million of Coalition Government cuts.

The Derbyshire Challenge sets out how Derbyshire County Council will put its own 'house in order' by: modernising the way the council operates; scrutinising all areas of spending to ensure the cash is used where it is needed most;... READ MORE...

Public Meeting To Be Held About Plans For The Avenue Site

Wednesday 2nd October 2013
Chesterfield residents have been invited to a public meeting to hear about plans for the Avenue development in Wingerworth.

The former coking plant closed in 1992. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has submitted plans to develop part of the 242 acre site (the equivalent of 200 football pitches) with housing and other uses.

The site is in North East Derbyshire but could affect Chesterfield residents in areas such as Hasland, Birdholme and St Augustines. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Adopts Chesterfield Anti-Social Behaviour Scheme

Monday 30th September 2013 A scheme to protect victims of anti-social behaviour which has been trialled in Chesterfield is being rolled out across Derbyshire.

The new IT system, called ECINS, was introduced by the Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership in April this year and allows the partnership, which includes Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Police, to share information about anti-social behaviour quickly and effectively.

The new system records all live cases and allows each of the... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Swimming Star In The Making

Monday 30th September 2013 - Other Sports proudly sponsored by CASA Hotel
A swimming star in the making, 9-year old Natalia Mettam, has become the first person to complete her swimming Honours Award, at Staveley's Healthy Living Centre.

Natalia, from Woodthorpe in Staveley. started swimming at the centre when it first opened in 2008, age 5 years old. A natural swimmer, she has successfully completed the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Learn to Swim pathway awards 1 - 10 as well as the Bronze, Silver and Gold challenge awards.  For her final Honours Award she had to achieve a multitude of challenges, including... READ MORE...

North East Derbyshire Leisure Centres In Line For Investment

Monday 23rd September 2013 Residents are set to benefit from up to £270,000 worth of improvements which have been earmarked for two North East Derbyshire leisure centres.

North East Derbyshire District Council has approved proposals to refurbish Eckington Swimming Pool and Dronfield Sports Centre.

At Eckington, the gym will be refurbished and at Dronfield Sports Centre - which was transformed as part of a major refurbishment in 2008 - the gym equipment will be upgraded to ensure it remains state-of-the-art. READ MORE...

Thumbs Up From Community Youngstars

Monday 23rd September 2013 Youngsters in Chesterfield have given a holiday club supported by Chesterfield Borough Council a unanimous 'thumbs up'.

The Community Youngstars play scheme, allowed young people to lean a wide range of activities from circus skills to break dancing.

The play scheme was held throughout the summer holidays at Queen's Park Annexe, with three sessions to entertain various age groups.

One was held for younger children (5 to 11 year olds) in the... READ MORE...

National Park Planners Secure Restoration Of Three Quarries

Thursday 19th September 2013 Derelict areas within two former quarries are to be restored, and old permissions at Birchover Quarry replaced with a new updated permission, following decisions made by the Peak District National Park Authority's planning committee.

Wildlife and the public will benefit from the re-shaping and landscaping of about 2.0 acres (0.81 hectares) of old workings, part of the Barton Hill and Dungeon quarries sites at Birchover.

The restoration will see heather moorland and native woodland... READ MORE...

Local MP Hails Breakfast Boost For Vulnerable Children

Wednesday 18th September 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins joined pupils of William Rhodes primary school for breakfast yesterday morning as Derbyshire County Council launched their new initiative.

As we reported previously, Pupils at 25 Derbyshire primary and junior schools are set to benefit from breakfast club pilot schemes, which aim to ensure no child comes into school hungry.

Toby Perkins MP, said, "Education is one of the great social levellers of our time, allowing children to do well whatever their background." READ MORE...

Town Planners Con(tent) To Give Go Outdoors Go Ahead

Monday 16th September 2013 Go Outdoors has today (Monday, 16th September), been given planning permission by Chesterfield Borough Council to turn a former Tesco site into a combined head office and store.

The building, on Meltham Lane in Whittington Moor, has been empty since 2010 when Tesco opened a larger store on the other side of the Chesterfield by-pass at the former Dema Glass site.

Members of the committee were told national retailer Go Outdoors would create 160 new jobs at the new store, which will sell outdoors clothing and... READ MORE...

Wind Turbines Refused To Protect Landscape And Wildlife

Monday 16th September 2013 Three separate applications for wind turbines have been turned down by the Peak District National Park Authority to protect landscape and wildlife.

The sites for the proposed wind turbines were at Butterton Moor, Newhaven and Onecote.

The Authority supports the need for renewable energy but has to balance this with the harmful impact that installing a wind turbine could have on the national park's natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. READ MORE...

MP Backs Fairer Benefits Test For Those With Mental Illness

Friday 13th September 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has backed a campaign by the national charity Rethink Mental Illness to make the Government's fit-for-work test fair for people with mental illness.

Mr Perkins pledged his support for the campaign after taking part in an event in Westminster on Wednesday (11th September), where the charity's supporters asked MPs to prove they are fit for their jobs.

The event was organised by Rethink Mental Illness to give MPs a deeper insight into the flaws in the Government's fit-for-work benefits tests. READ MORE...

County To Add New Gritters To Fleet

Friday 13th September 2013 Derbyshire County Council is investing £1.6m to buy 15 new gritter lorries this year.

It is the first stage of a five-year replacement plan to replace ageing winter maintenance vehicles.

A further four gritter lorries will be purchased in 2014/15, three more in 2015/16 and a further three in 2016/17.

By 2017, the county council will have increased the number of gritters in its fleet from 39 currently to 44. Six other county council vehicles can be converted to support snow-clearing efforts when needed. READ MORE...

MP Welcomes Next Stage Of Chesterfield's Waterside Project

Wednesday 11th September 2013 An ambitious Chesterfield regeneration project is set to take a leap forwards, promising to bring new homes and jobs to a redundant ex-industrial area.

The Waterside Project, led by Chesterfield Borough Council with a consortium of developers, will occupy a neglected 40-acre site, taking in the Chesterfield Canal Basin, completed in 2009 as the first stage of the scheme, between the Railway Station and the former Tesco supermarket on Rother Way.

Named the 50th biggest regeneration project in the UK, the... READ MORE...

Roundabout Poised To Return To Hasland Road Junction

Wednesday 11th September 2013 Traffic lights at a Hasland road junction are set to be replaced with a mini-roundabout and other safety measures following calls by local residents for a re-think.

Derbyshire County Council agreed to look again at the junction of Hasland Road and Mansfield Road following a serious accident around 60 metres from the junction in March.

More than 250 people attended a consultation event in June to have their say about the road layout which was introduced in consultation with Hasland and St Leonards Community Forum in December 2011.

Traffic lights and crossings were originally installed to replace a mini roundabout and zebra crossing following a high number of road accidents. READ MORE...

Breakfast Boost For Derbyshire Schoolchildren

Tuesday 10th September 2013 Pupils at 25 Derbyshire primary and junior schools are set to benefit from breakfast club pilot schemes at their school.

Derbyshire County Council is funding food at the clubs, which will cost between £180,000 to £200,000.

Schools have been chosen because they have the greatest number of children who are entitled to free school meals. The 25 schools will be invited to apply for the funding. The pilot will run for four years and the schools will provide staff and other resources for the day-to-day running of the clubs. READ MORE...

County Faces Losing Further Funds

Monday 9th September 2013 Funding currently worth £1.31m could be lost by Derbyshire County Council if proposals for reallocating New Homes Bonus funding in 2015-16 get the go-ahead.

The New Homes Bonus is paid to local councils for increasing the number of homes in their area. It is paid every year for six years for new-build homes, conversions and long-term empty homes brought back into use. There is also an extra payment for providing affordable homes.

Now the Coalition Government is considering pumping some or... READ MORE...

Funding Hasland's Eastwood Park's Community Garden

Monday 9th September 2013
Eastwood Park in Hasland is set to benefit from a raft of improvements thanks to funding from the Lottery funded Awards for All.

The Friends of Eastwood Park secured the £10,000 funding for the Chesterfield Borough Council park for the Community Garden.

Barbara Arrandale, Chair of the Friends of Eastwood Park, said the grant will fund new seeds, plants and compost, a new set of communal tools to use in the garden as well as a new secure lock up. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Gets Well Dressed And Dancing

Monday 9th September 2013 Visitors to Chesterfield town centre on Saturday, once again enjoyed a variety of dancers in the annual 'Day of Dance' event organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Boasting a variety of dance styles, with many returning acts including Crystal Cheer & Dance and the Burlesque Madam Gaga and her girls - performing alongside new show stoppers who included Barlborough Bears, the dancers of all ages showcased skills in ballet, jazz, tango, cheer and street dance.
 
Another newcomer, The Romano Jilo Dance Group, showcased... READ MORE...

Flood Defences To Be Improved In Derbyshire

Friday 6th September 2013 As heavy rain falls today giving rise to warnings, news that flood defence improvements costing £95,000 could be carried out in the area if plans get the go ahead next week.

Derbyshire County Council's cabinet members will consider plans to reduce problems with flooding at a meeting on Tuesday 10th September, as well as a £15,000 study to look at ways of reducing flooding in Renishaw.

Councillor Dean Collins, Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport said: "Extreme weather such as prolonged heavy rain..." READ MORE...

PDSA Pet Roadshow Offering Free Dog Microchipping

Thursday 5th September 2013 Dog owners across Bolsover District and North East Derbyshire are being given the chance to get their dog microchipped and receive pet health advice for free when a mobile pet checking unit tours the area this month.

The PDSA Health Check Roadshow will take to the streets to offer free dog check-ups - including weight, eyes, teeth, ears, coat condition and general fitness - all undertaken by an experienced veterinary nurse.

Having been previously run in Bolsover, this is the first time... READ MORE...

Apply Now For Your Child's Secondary School Place!

Wednesday 4th September 2013 Now, they may have just gone, or are about to go, back to school, but parents of Y6 pupils will need to apply to Derbyshire County Council from next week to get their child's secondary school place for September 2014.

Year six primary school children, who were born between 1st September 2002 and 31st August 2003, will be sent information on the application process, which opens on Monday 9th September.

Applying online is the easiest method. Just visit the school admissions section... READ MORE...

£3m Grant Boost For Derbyshire's Small Businesses

Wednesday 4th September 2013
Small businesses in Derbyshire could benefit from grants of up to £50,000 as part of a £3m drive to safeguard and create jobs.

Derbyshire Economic Partnership - backed by Derbyshire County Council - has been provisionally awarded £3m from the Government's Regional Growth Fund.

On Tuesday, Sept 10th, members of the county council's cabinet will consider a recommendation that the authority pledges £70,000 towards administration costs of the new Global Derbyshire Small Business Support Programme. READ MORE...

Get Dancing In Chesterfield this September

Wednesday 4th September 2013
Chesterfield will once again welcome a variety of dancers in its 'Day of Dance', event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The event takes place on Saturday 7th September between 10.30am and 3.30pm in Rykneld Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre).

The Day of Dance boasts a variety of dance styles, with return performances from many acts and new performances from Barlborough Bears, who will be performing a fusion of ballet, jazz, and street dance. READ MORE...

Chesterfield's Community Hub Takes Shape

Monday 2nd September 2013 It was always to be pivotal part of the move to the Proact - and on Friday, members of the local press were given a tour of the new £1.5 million flagship Community Hub, now just two weeks away from completion.

The facility, partially funded by a grant from the Premier League Community Facility Fund, is due to open on 16th September and will provide a one-stop site for sporting activities.

Set to include a gym, a hydrotherapy pool, café, play area and... READ MORE...

Local Residents Invited To Ask Questions On Local Issues

Friday 30th August 2013 Derbyshire residents will for the first time be able to ask questions on issues that affect their local area at Derbyshire County Council's meetings held across the county.

Local area committees meet to develop a shared understanding of the local area, identifying key issues affecting communities. By giving local people the opportunity to ask questions at the meetings, the council aims to give residents a chance to be part of the local decision-making process.

Councillor Brian Ridgway, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet... READ MORE...

Slimmers Warned About Dangerous Weight Loss Product

Wednesday 28th August 2013 Derbyshire residents are being warned of the dangers of buying slimming products which may contain a dangerous chemical.

Following an alert from the Department of Health, Derbyshire County Council is warning anyone thinking of buying slimming aids like fat burners and food supplements, particularly over the internet, to look out for the chemical DNP (2,4 Dinitrophenol).

In Derbyshire, there are no known medical cases linked to DNP but the substance, which is an industrial chemical not fit for human consumption and illegal to use in foodstuffs, has caused three deaths nationally so far this year. READ MORE...

Work To Begin On New Cycle Lane In Chesterfield

Wednesday 28th August 2013
Work to build a new cycle lane in Chesterfield as part of a project aimed at linking two areas of the town together is due to start.

Derbyshire County Council will create the 670 metre cycle lane alongside Lockoford Lane and the A61 northbound between Tesco's roundabout and Pottery Lane West.

The £308,000 path is being installed as part of the Chesterfield Cycle network which is a long-term project aimed at linking shopping areas, hospitals... READ MORE...

Yum-Yums Serves up A Treat In Staveley

Friday 23rd August 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins gave his seal of approval to a brand new eatery in Staveley after calling in for a cup of tea and a chat with owner Kerry Cox.

First time business owner Kerry set up Yum Yums on Chesterfield Road six weeks ago with the help and support of the Princes Trust.

Young entrepreneur Kerry reports that business is going well so far and said, "I didn't think the Princes Trust provided support for people like me. The best thing is that they don't just help you start, but support you for two years..." READ MORE...

Call To Apply For Armed Forces Covenant Grant Scheme

Wednesday 21st August 2013 Grants for projects that encourage local people to understand and support our Armed Forces are now available.

Derbyshire County Council has joined together with all district and borough councils in the county, as well as Derby City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the Armed Forces, to assess local bids for funding from the national Armed Forces Community Covenant Scheme.

Suitable applications will be endorsed by the local partnership before being submitted to the Ministry of Defence. READ MORE...

Unemployment Twice Average For Derbyshire's Young People

Tuesday 20th August 2013 New figures released by Derbyshire County Council show that the unemployment rate for under 25's in the county is around twice the average - and the rate is also higher than the England average.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, Councillor Joan Dixon said: "Youth employment is continuing to be a real problem across the country and here in Derbyshire.

"The Coalition Government is not doing enough for young people. Many are facing an uncertain future and without a decent job are unable to even think of a home of their own." READ MORE...

New Measures To Slow Spread Of Bovine TB "Not Enough"

Friday 16th August 2013 New measures to try and slow down the spread of bovine TB have been criticised by Derbyshire County Council's Leader, Councillor Anne Western, for not doing enough to protect local farmers.

The Government set out plans this week to increase TB testing and control cattle movement in 10 areas across the country, including Derbyshire. Farms in Derbyshire and Cheshire within 3 km of a new TB outbreak will have to test their cows for bovine TB immediately and again after six months.

A £250,000 fund for farmers to help cover half of the costs of vaccinating badgers on their land has also been set up. READ MORE...

The Big Day Beckons Tomorrow For A Level Students

Wednesday 14th August 2013 Thousands of students across Derbyshire are getting ready to find out how well they have done in their A-levels when the results are released tomorrow, Thursday 15th August 2013.

Ahead of that, we are publishing advice on what to do tomorrow after results are received and, what to do if they are not as expected. The article contains some of the numbers students may need.

UCAS advisers say that they are ready to help students through the Confirmation and Clearing process. READ MORE...

County Council Helps Local People To Avoid Pay Day Loans

Wednesday 14th August 2013 Residents on low incomes who may be tempted by payday loan companies, can apply for safe and affordable loans thanks to new Derbyshire County Council funding.

The council is to make safe instant access loans available by providing £300,000 additional funding to local Credit Unions.

Credit Unions are playing an increasingly important role in supporting people struggling with debt and low incomes, by providing access to affordable credit and by encouraging saving. READ MORE...

Derbyshire County Council Criticises Rail Fare Hike

Tuesday 13th August 2013 Plans to increase regulated train fares in England - including season tickets - have been criticised by Derbyshire County Council for making rail travel too expensive.

Councillor Andy Botham, Derbyshire County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said the above-inflation average 4.1% rise in January would make rail travel unaffordable for some people as price rises outstrip wages.

"Trains play an important role in getting people to work..." READ MORE...

Work Begins On Killamarsh Housing Scheme

Tuesday 13th August 2013 Work to demolish post-war properties and replace them with new council homes is now underway in Killamarsh, as part of a major regeneration project in North East Derbyshire.

Dozens of tenants joined a community celebration to mark the start of construction work on The Bungalows site, off Sheffield Road - watching on as the first of their defective homes was demolished.

The £10.5m scheme is being led by North East Derbyshire District Council in partnership with its housing management company Rykneld Homes. READ MORE...

Award Winning Folk Artist To Headline In His Home Town

Tuesday 13th August 2013 Captivating folk artist Blair Dunlop, who won the prestigious Radio 2 'Horizon Award' earlier this year, is heading back to his home town next month to take centre stage in Derbyshire County Council's new programme of folk concerts.

Rising star Blair, 21, is an accomplished singer songwriter who will treat his audience to tracks from his new album 'Blight and Blossom' at Chesterfield Library in New Beetwell Street on Friday 20th September, doors open at 7.30pm.

He will be supported by the Derbyshire vocal and guitar duo... READ MORE...

Council Welcomes Watchdog Action On Quick Home Sales

Monday 12th August 2013 Derbyshire County Council has welcomed an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation into unfair business practices in the quick home sale market.

The OFT announced this week it is investigating practices by companies that left struggling homeowners tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Council leaders support the OFT action and are now calling on local people to report firms that use unscrupulous tactics to get people to part with their homes at knock-down prices. READ MORE...

£7.5m Investment To Boost Tourism With Pedal Power

Monday 12th August 2013 Tourism in Derbyshire has been given a multi-million pound boost now a Derbyshire County Council-led project to enhance traffic-free cycle trails into the Peak District has been given the green light.

Pedal Peak is designed to put an estimated 3.5million people within reach of the Peak District National Park's cycle network - either directly by bike in less than an hour or following a short train ride.

And plans moved a step closer today when the Department for Transport announced it would stump up £5m for the project. READ MORE...

Residents Have Their Say On Key Gateway Artwork

Friday 9th August 2013 Chesterfield residents are able to vote for the public artwork they would like to see at a key gateway to the town centre.

The project, led by Chesterfield Borough Council, aims to raise the profile of Chesterfield as a place to invest, visit and live.

Funding of £500,000 has been secured from Barratt Homes - who are responsible for new housing developments in the borough, including on the former Chesterfield Football Club site on Saltergate - and from the European Regional Development Fund for the project. READ MORE...

Every Little Tesco Does NOT Help Says Local Residents

Thursday 8th August 2013 Local residents are continuing to celebrate after controversial plans to convert a local pub to a convenience store have once again been turned down by Chesterfield Borough Council's Planning Committee.

Residents are opposed to The Crispin Inn on Ashgate Road being turned into a local Tesco store, believing that to do so would have a detrimental effect on the local area and remove what is seen as a local community pub from use.

Plans submitted by Tesco have been refused before by Council... READ MORE...

New Powers To Protect Against Rogue Traders Welcomed

Thursday 8th August 2013 Following our story yesterday of an elderly 89 year old lady becoming a victim of Rogue Traders, new powers set to protect vulnerable and older consumers from such criminals have been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council.

Draft legislation announced by the Government earlier this week includes giving new rights to victims - who are bullied or misled into buying goods and services - so they can get their money back.

It also states that consumers will have access to clearer information about any additional costs relating to something they are buying and more time to return goods bought online. READ MORE...

Traders Set To Move In To Chesterfield's New Market Hall

Wednesday 7th August 2013 All of the traders who were previously trading from Chesterfield's Market Hall have been offered space in the new Market Hall when it re-opens this autumn.

The iconic building, owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, is due to open in October after a redevelopment which has cost £4 million in build costs.

The council has been working with traders to offer an improved shopping experience to customers new and old when the market hall opens again. Each of the potential traders were asked to present a business case setting out what... READ MORE...

Council Urges Residents To 'Have Your Say On HS2'

Tuesday 6th August 2013 Residents are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to have their say on the Government's plans for a high speed rail link from London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester (HS2).

The route travels through Derbyshire on its way from Birmingham to Leeds. A station for the East Midlands is planned for Toton, and a maintenance depot is on the cards for Staveley.

Councillor Andy Botham, Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport said: "High Speed Rail is going to be a fantastic..." READ MORE...

Bigger Cuts To Council Budgets On The Cards

Monday 5th August 2013 Derbyshire County Council leaders have this afternoon expressed their shock after new figures revealed by the Coalition Government suggests their £127 million cuts target will soar by an extra £30 million over the next five years.

In an unexpected consultation on council spending levels, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), indicates its plans for a 27.6% cut in support grant between 2014/15 and 2015/16 - costing the council £21.2 million more than expected. READ MORE...

25 New Chesterfield 'Ambassadors' All Set For Summer

Monday 5th August 2013 Chesterfield has recruited 25 more willing volunteers to sing the praises of the town, bringing the total of 'ambassadors' to 125.

The volunteers join the town's Ambassador Scheme ahead of the influx of tourists over the summer.

The new ambassadors include frontline staff from the town's businesses, including restaurants, museums, banks and Chesterfield Borough council employees. They join local residents, traffic wardens and sales assistants to name but a few, who have previously signed up to the voluntary, unpaid scheme. READ MORE...

Britain's Housing Recovery Evident In Chesterfield

Monday 5th August 2013 Signs of the UK housing market's "meaningful recovery" are evident in the East Midlands town of Chesterfield, according to Destination Chesterfield.

Developer Miller Homes East Midlands has described Chesterfield as being "at the top of the wish list for many couples, families and individuals looking to buy."

Miller Homes is one of a number of developers currently building more than 200 new in the borough, with more planned on a 1.94 hectare site of a former school. READ MORE...

Are You A Man, 65+? Take Ten Minutes To Save Your life!

Friday 2nd August 2013 Men aged 65 and over from Derbyshire are being encouraged to come forward for life-saving screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (also known as AAAs), as part of a national screening programme.

The aim of the NHS AAA Screening Programme is to reduce deaths from the condition by up to 50%, by encouraging men aged 65 and over to come forward for screening for this potentially life threatening condition.

In some men, as they get older, the wall of the aorta, which is the main blood vessel in the abdomen, can become weak. It can then start to... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Fostering Focus

Thursday 1st August 2013 There are just under 700 children in care in Derbyshire and they all need a place to call home. That's where foster carers step in to play a vital role in a child's life.

This August sees the launch of Derbyshire County Council's first ever Chesterfield Fostering Focus and the council's fostering team will be out and about on the streets of the town talking to people about making the first steps into caring.

The team will be at the following venues: on Friday August 9th at the Action Housing Party in the Park 10am - 3pm, on Monday August 19th at... READ MORE...

Council's New Plan To Stamp Out Illegal Tobacco Sales

Thursday 1st August 2013 Shop owners who break the law by selling cigarettes to under 18s, or stocking counterfeit tobacco, are being warned to clean up their act or face severe penalties.

Derbyshire County Council is stepping up its work to clamp down on illegal and underage tobacco sales and reinforce anti-smoking messages with a new plan to target law-breaking shop owners.

The 'Enforcement Programme for Tobacco Products' sets out the council's commitment to reduce smoking and stop the illicit tobacco trade. READ MORE...

'Snow Joke' - Help Needed To Keep County Roads Clear

Thursday 1st August 2013 Farmers and contractors are being urged to join Derbyshire County Council in helping to keep roads and pavements clear of snow this winter.

Last year the county council's gritters were helped by around 60 farmers and other contractors who ploughed the roads.

This year the county council is aiming to get even more on board – particularly around: Amber Valley; Bolsover; Chesterfield; Derbyshire Dales; Erewash; High Peak; North East Derbyshire; and South Derbyshire. READ MORE...

40th Anniversary Memorial For Markham Pit Disaster

Tuesday 30th July 2013 The first two figures in a memorial to miners who lost their lives down a Derbyshire pit, along with a memorial stone next to the pit entrance, have been unveiled today during an event to mark the 40th anniversary of one of the county's worst mining tragedies.

Eighteen miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury, when the mechanical brake failed on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed at Markham Colliery on 30th July, 1973 and they plummeted to the bottom of the shaft.

It was the third disaster at the colliery following accidents READ MORE & VIDEO...

A Sports Centre For The 21st Century

Monday 29th July 2013 We have today received images of what the proposed new Leisure Centre at Queen's Park Annexe would look like.

Currently subject to a consultation process - and the subject of debate at last week's council meeting when a 4,500 strong petition against the proposals was handed in - the new centre is expected to replace the 40 year old current facility, which the council says would cost £3million to refurbish and make good.

The first stage consultation was a huge success with 836 responses and facilities ranked in order of importance, with a 25 metre swimming pool... READ MORE...

Temporary Road Closure To Affect Chesterfield

Monday 29th July 2013

We have been notified by Derbyshire County Council that a section of Boythorpe Road in Chesterfield will be closed between Boythorpe Avenue and Park Road, while county council carries out resurfacing work and replaces a speed hump.

The work will be carried out in two phases between 9:00am and 4:00pm week days only, from Thursday 1st August until Friday 9th August.

Diversionary routes will be in place.

Derbyshire County Council Appoints New Chief Executive

Monday 29th July 2013
Derbyshire County Council has selected Mr Ian Stephenson as its next Chief Executive.

Mr Stephenson has been temporarily covering the job following the departure of former Chief Executive, Nick Hodgson in June.

The £138,000 a year post was advertised nationally and interviews took place over two days at County Hall in Matlock on July 25th and 26th with Mr Stephenson announced as the successful candidate on Friday 26th July. READ MORE...

'Listening To Chesterfield' - MP Toby Perkins Hits The Streets

Friday 26th July 2013
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins will be 'Listening to Chesterfield' in a big way this summer - hoping to meet and hear from 10,000 people across Chesterfield in a huge programme of listening street surgeries.

The MP, local Councillors and his team will take to the streets over the parliamentary recess in events in every single ward in his Chesterfield constituency, asking residents about issues as diverse as their experiences of the NHS and the recent benefit reforms, to plans for new developments in the town centre and the changes to school holiday permissions. READ MORE...

The Debate Over The Future Of Queen's Park Leisure Centre

Thursday 25th July 2013

The subject of Queen's Park Leisure Centre has made many headlines in recent months - with Chesterfield Borough Council currently running a community consultation, into a proposed new 21st century health and leisure complex.

The proposed new complex would be built on the site of the derelict Queen's Park Annexe - and local campaigners are against this, suggesting alternative ways that the council could provide what they feel would be a more cost effective facility on the existing site. READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Co-op Closes Its Doors For The Last Time!

Wednesday 24th July 2013 5.30pm today will see the doors of one of Chesterfield's major retailers close it's doors for the last time.

The iconic Co-Op on Elder Way will cease trading after decades on the site after declining sales forced decisions on its future.

It was revealed in January, that the store would be one of nine outlets closed down after retailers had turned to alternative methods of shopping.

Around 100 jobs have gone at the store, which specialises in... READ MORE...

The Late Cllr Reynolds Honoured With Footpath Renaming

Wednesday 24th July 2013 A footpath in St. Helen's has been renamed 'Reynolds Way' in memory of the late Cllr Trevor Reynolds, a local community activist.

Reynolds' Way, linking Newland Dale with Highfield Road, had fallen into a dilapidated state in recent years. Former Chesterfield Borough Labour councillor, Trevor Reynolds, had campaigned long and hard to secure investment to tidy up the trail.

Unfortunately Trevor, who died in 2011, was unable to see the fruits of his labours - but the local community backed a bid to rename the route... READ MORE...

Underage Alcohol Sales Fall In Derbyshire

Tuesday 23rd July 2013 Illegal sales of alcohol to underage buyers in Derbyshire have fallen by almost 20% over the last eight years.

Derbyshire County Council's trading standards team carries out a wide range of exercises to make sure off licences are complying with the law, including working with volunteers aged under 18 who attempt to buy alcohol.

Since April last year, 147 checks have been carried out at Derbyshire premises, with 15 sales to underage volunteers. The 10.2% failure rate is the lowest in three years and a substantial decrease from 2004-2009 when it ranged from 23% to 31.5%. READ MORE...

Consultation Continues On Queen's Park Sports Centre Plans

Monday 22nd July 2013 The second phase of the public consultation into plans by Chesterfield Borough Council to build a replacement Queen's Park Sports Centre is to begin.

More than 800 people responded to the first stage of a public consultation, which happened between 24th May and 14th June, (as previously reported HERE) and asked centre users, sports clubs and residents what facilities the new centre should have. 
 
The top five facilities requested were: 25 metre swimming pool; Multi-purpose sports hall; Gym/fitness suite; Children's water fun area; Learner pool. READ MORE...

MP Provides Food For Thought For Hospital

Friday 19th July 2013
After a report identified some weaknesses within Chesterfield Royal Hospital's food service for patients, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins today went along to see for himself how patients receive their food on wards - and sample a lunch to see the standard of food served.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), who regulate and inspect GP's surgeries and hospitals, issued a report after visiting the Calow site, served Chesterfield Royal Hospital with a notice to improve after they said that patients were "not fully protected against risks of inadequate nutrition and dehydration". READ MORE & AUDIO...

CCTN MEETING WITH TOBY PERKINS MP CANCELLED

Friday 19th July 2013 The Chesterfield Construction Trades Network meeting with Toby Perkins, (MP for Chesterfield and Shadow Small Business Minister) due to be held today at Chesterfield FC's PROACT Stadium has unfortunately had to be cancelled due to a major gas leak.

A contractor operating a digger accidentally cut through a gas main which led to the Police cordoning off Sheffield Road and evacuating buildings in the vicinity, which included the Proact Stadium. Hopefully we will be able to arrange a new date with Toby very soon.

Apologies for any inconvenience that this late cancellation caused anyone, but it was circumstances completely beyond CCTN's control.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins To Address Meeting Of CCTN

Friday 19th July 2013
Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield and Shadow Small Business Minister, will be addressing the meeting of the Chesterfield Construction Trades Network today, between 3.00pm and 5.00pm, at Chesterfield FC's PROACT Stadium.

Mr Perkins will also be fielding questions from the floor and listening to the concerns of local tradespeople.

Attendees can air their views on what is happening to the construction industry in Chesterfield at the moment. Maybe a bad experience with a main contractor? Finding it difficult to attract suitably qualified/experienced workers? Is enough being done to create opportunities for the tradesperson in Chesterfield? READ MORE...

Pay-As-You-Go Driving Comes To Derbyshire!

Thursday 18th July 2013 Secretary of State and MP for Derby Dales, Patrick McLoughlin, is to attend Co-wheels Car Club launch event at Newholme Hospital, Bakewell on Thursday 25th July at 10.30am.

Co-wheels have contracted with Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) NHS Trust to provide 10 pool cars for use by hospital staff at six sites across the county - Chesterfield, Bakewell, Belper, Clay Cross Hospital, Church View (Clay Cross) and Darley Dale. Outside office hours these cars will be available to the general public. READ MORE...

Local MP Calls For Maximum Working Temperatures

Wednesday 17th July 2013

With temperatures continuing to soar and heat wave conditions likely to stay in the UK for the next week or so, one local MP is continuing her campaign to have a maximum working temperature in workplaces.

Natascha Engel, MP for North East Derbyshire, says that although there is minimum temperature legislation in place for schools and offices, there remains no formal structure for maximum temperatures - with guidelines just stipulating working temperatures have to be reasonable. READ MORE & AUDIO...

Councillor Calls For Cricket To Inspire Active Lifestyles

Wednesday 17th July 2013 - Cricket coverage sponsored by AUTOWORLD
The four day cricket match between Derbyshire and Yorkshire at Queen's Park, Chesterfield this week, will be attended by 500 local school children.

The juniors will form a guard of honour as the players enter the field, receive a talk regarding the values and history of the game, play Kwik Cricket on the field during the interval and gain autograph opportunities with players.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, hopes attending the match... READ MORE...

Local Youngster Set For Fairytale Queen's Park Appearance

Tuesday 16th July 2013 Local boy Ben Slater is set to play on his home patch - as Derbyshire face Yorkshire at Chesterfield starting tomorrow (Wednesday 17th) at 11am.

The 21-year-old, who has played club cricket at Queen's Park since Kwik Cricket at the age of seven, comes into the squad alongside Peter Burgoyne after the pair both topped 150 against Northamptonshire last week.

"I am really excited about the prospect," Slater said, "Playing at your home ground and scoring a few runs is what dreams are made of." READ MORE...

Business Secretary Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable To Visit Chesterfield

Friday 12th July 2013 The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP - the Secretary of State for Business, Skills and Innovation - will meet business leaders from Chesterfield at an exclusive dinner at Chesterfield FC's Proact Stadium from 6.30pm on Saturday 13th July.

Dr Cable - who is responsible for the Coalition Government's business brief - will deliver a keynote speech before taking questions from delegates during an interactive Q&A.

The event will give Midland businesses the opportunity to... READ MORE...

£3m Boost For Derbyshire Business

Friday 12th July 2013 Companies in Derbyshire could be in line to bid for grants of up to £50,000 after Government funding of £3m was provisionally secured for the county.

Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DEP) - backed by Derbyshire County Council - has been provisionally awarded the support from the Government's Regional Growth Fund.

It is part of a nationwide pot of £506m which was announced on July 11th and would be used to fund DEP's new Global Derbyshire Small Business... READ MORE...

Chesterfield In Bloom - The (Gardening) Gloves Are Off!

Friday 12th July 2013 After weeks of preparation, green-fingered residents and business owners have now received a visit from the Chesterfield in Bloom judges.

This year, Chesterfield Borough Council has received 120 entries in the competition, which forms the borough's entry into the regional East Midlands in Bloom competition and judges will visit schools, homes and allotments over a three-day judging period.

There are 14 categories in all in the competition, including... READ MORE...

Official Opening For New Look Whittington Moor Post Office

Friday 12th July 2013 To celebrate the launch of the new-look Whittington Moor Post Office, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins cut the ribbon at an official opening ceremony at the branch with Subpostmaster Tim Holmes today, 12 July 2013.

Mr Perkins said: "The Post Office network is at the heart of communities up - and down the country and the Whittington Moor branch is no different.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to open the new branch with Tim Holmes. Post Office services keep getting better and more diverse, and it's great to see that their plans to modernise branches across the UK are going so well." READ MORE...

Opening Of New Adventure Play Area At Stand Road Park

Thursday 11th July 2013 A new adventure play area for young children in Chesterfield is being opened by the Friends of Stand Road Park.

The play area will be formally opened by the children from the nursery class of Highfield Hall Primary School and the infants of Gilbert Heathcote School on 22nd July at 11.30 am.

As we reported in our previous story, the adventure play area, located near the park pavilion, has been funded by Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants... READ MORE...

Sophie Adds Queen's Scout Award To Her Many Achievements

Thursday 11th July 2013 Not content with the challenge of studying for her A Levels, an adventurous student at Ockbrook School has now added the Queen's Scout Award to her long list of personal achievements.

17 year old Sophie Martin from Alfreton is the first member of Alfreton District to achieve the coveted Queen's Scout Award. Sophie has already received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and has been busy fitting all her adventures around studying for four A Levels.

A very proud and excited Sophie received her honours from... READ MORE...

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE - Main Rd, Old Brampton

Wednesday 10th July 2013 We have been notified by Derbyshire County Council that Main Road in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, will close between its junctions with Ashgate Road and North Lane whilst road repairs and drainage improvements are carried out.

The work will take place between 9:30am and 3:30pm from Thursday 18th July until Friday 19th July.

Bus services will NOT be affected and diversionary routes will be in place.

Loundsley Green Volunteers Receive Recognition From PM

Wednesday 10th July 2013
A group of volunteers in Loundsley Green who created a vibrant community from a building due for demolition have been recognised today by Prime Minister David Cameron with a 'Big Society' Award.

The community centre now helps over 300 local people a week with skills ranging from business development to free basic IT classes for older people.

Loundsley Green Community Trust, a volunteer-run community development charity, was formed by local residents in 2010 to save the last... READ MORE...

'On The Right Road!' - £1m To Be Spent On Local Roads

Wednesday 10th July 2013 Over £1 million is being invested in road repairs and improvements across the county this month.

The money is part of a £35 million package Derbyshire County Council is spending on improving the roads in 2013/14.

Councillor Dean Collins, Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: "We are committed to repairing and improving roads and pavements across the county - it's what local people want and expect." READ MORE...

MP Urges Locals To Back Staveley Armed Forces Weekend

Tuesday 9th July 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins is mustering the public to join him in celebrating the work of armed service personnel, past and present, at the annual Staveley Armed Forces Weekend.

Taking place in Poolsbrook Country Park on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July, organisers, Staveley Armed Forces and Veterans Association, say this year's event promises to be their biggest yet, with the highlight a flypast from a World War II Dakota aircraft on both days.

Saturday begins with a military parade led by a brass band to the... READ MORE...

Education Boost To Two Year Olds

Tuesday 9th July 2013 More new nursery places mean vulnerable two-year-olds in Derbyshire will be off to a flying start at school.

Derbyshire County Council has received £5.6m to fund education for two-year-olds in 2013-14.

This means 1,466 children getting 15 hours a week - a total of 570 hours each. Research has shown that the Dedicated Schools Grant funding has already made a difference to county children's development.

Funding of almost £1.7m, for 2012-13, has already resulted in more than 1,200 youngsters going to school - 400 more than originally intended - and they're benefitting from being in the classroom. READ MORE...

Giving Carers Care - Chesterfield 'Angels' Hit 1 Year Mark

Monday 8th July 2013 They are the hidden army within Derbyshire - in fact, throughout the UK. 112,000 people in our county care for someone they love - someone with an illness or a disability, and many of those will be elderly or infirm themselves.

Sadly, many of those will at some point struggle to cope with 'coping', but many will remain too proud to seek help, and become ill themselves. Many of that number are not registered, believing that it is his or her 'duty' to care for someone close.

One year ago, an organisation was set up in Chesterfield to... READ MORE...

'Don't Be Complacent About Your NHS' Campaigners Say

Monday 8th July 2013 As we reported on Friday (HERE), it was the 65th birthday of the NHS, and described as an 'Institution' by CEO of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Gavin Boyle, the service is believed to be as pivotal and relevant to everyday life as it was at its inception in 1948.

However, political views on the NHS remain passionately polarised and there is barely a day that goes by when reforms are not mooted in Parliament.

To mark the milestone day - and to show public support for the ongoing growth of the NHS - local politicians gathered together on the High Street ... READ MORE...